Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 6067
Received: 16/02/2015
Respondent: Mrs Sandra Mate
In line with our response above, site 200 is "preferred" to all other sites in the A127 Corridor as development on this site will create the least harm.
If undertaken in a sensitive manner, this has the potential to provide the Council with the required level of residential development, whilst creating a self sufficient, sustainable development with access to a levels of infrastructure funding that would offer the best chance for a positive outcome for existing and new residents of the A127 Corridor.
This site would enable potential residential development in and around West Horndon village to be limited to the existing industrial estates, which is West Horndon Parish Council's preferred strategy. If undertaken appropriately, the village could retain its current "small community" feel, with natural surroundings preserved.
An appropriate buffer zone needs to be incorporated on the western edge of the development to prevent future urban creep, and minimise the impact of development on existing residents.
Please find attached my completed consultation questionaire for the Strategic Growth Options Consultation.
I support the principles set out in the National Planning Policy Framework for the protection of the Green Belt to prevent urban creep.
I strongly oppose inappropriate development in the green belt except in exceptional circumstances where the benefits clearly outweigh the harm and we also support the view that housing need alone does not constitute exceptional benefit.
However, I acknowledge the challenge that the Strategic Housing Allocation numbers present to Brentwood Borough Council. I recognise that without clear locations for the necessary houses identified by the Strategic Housing Allocation, Brentwood Borough Council will be highly unlikely to have a robust Local Development Plan approved. That presents the risk of aggressive speculative developers attempting to obtain planning approval anywhere in the borough and that the appeals system could result in inappropriate and poorly coordinated development taking place.
Thus in the unfortunate circumstance where Green Belt does have to be sacrificed in order to meet the statutory obligations of the Strategic Housing Allocation it is essential that only the minimum amount of land is sacrificed and that this is done in locations and in such a way that harm and urban creep is kept to an absolute minimum.
All my responses to the questions in the consultation must be viewed in this light.