Object

Representation ID: 922

Received: 02/10/2013

Respondent: Martin Grant Homes

Agent: Pegusus Group

Martin Grant Homes object to the proposition contained in Policy S2 that provision be made for the construction of 3,500 new dwellings in the period 2015-2030. When assessed across the Plan period as a whole, this implies an annual average rate of 233 completions. Such a rate of delivery is inappropriate when considered in the context of paragraph 2.30 of the Preferred Options which states that "a figure of somewhere between 331 and 362 homes a year would represent objectively assessed need for the Borough."

Martin Grant Homes note the reference at paragraph 2.30 of the Preferred Options to the study carried out on behalf of the Council by Peter Brett Associates. However, the Council's website does not contain that report and it is unhelpful/inappropriate for the Preferred Options for Consultation to be published without that important element of the evidence base.

Object

Representation ID: 923

Received: 02/10/2013

Respondent: Martin Grant Homes

Agent: Pegusus Group

Strategic Objective 7 suggests that the existing extent of the green belt will be generally maintained. However, in order to ensure that necessary development is accommodated, it will be necessary to amend existing green belt boundaries as demonstrated by the content of Policy CP4. Strategic Objective 7 should include reference to the reconsideration of existing green belt boundaries to ensure that necessary development arising in the period to 2030 is accommodated.

Object

Representation ID: 924

Received: 02/10/2013

Respondent: Martin Grant Homes

Agent: Pegusus Group

The primary element of Policy S1 seeks to protect the present extent of the green belt, albeit that reference is made to the need to adjust that green belt boundary to accommodate the strategic allocation at West Horndon. Martin Grant Homes consider that the intent generally to maintain the present extent of the green belt fails to respond appropriately to future housing requirements. Indeed, paragraph 2.30 of the Preferred Options for Consultation indicates that the objectively assessed housing needs of the Borough in the period to 2030 are greater than the provision set out at Policy S2. Martin Grant Homes consider that this disconnection arises because of the Council's intention to establish the primary policy position to be the maintenance of the present extent of the green belt.