Object

Representation ID: 19736

Received: 12/03/2018

Respondent: Countryside Properties

Agent: Andrew Martin Planning Ltd

Questioned the ability of DHGV to provide proposed housing figure because:
* its 'high contribution' to the Green Belt (identified by Crestwood Environmental Limited, in 2016). This expansive agricultural site if wholly developed would significantly reduce the gap between West Horndon and Basildon. A large area of open space would need to be provided in the east to prevent coalescence with West Horndon, and a potential deleterious effect on functional ;
* further land in the east and north would be required for structural planting;
* the site is at risk of flooding (zone 3);
* lack of infrastructure provision.

Object

Representation ID: 19737

Received: 12/03/2018

Respondent: Countryside Properties

Agent: Andrew Martin Planning Ltd

The proposals are a failed attempt at a cross boundary development with Basildon. Previous links to the railway station and access via the existing built up area of Basildon, including public transport links, are now uncertain. The draft proposals to date (Government Bid document, 2017) show access to the proposed development site via the A128 and the intention to use the railway station at West Horndon. The construction of up to 4,000 new homes and all supporting infrastructure cannot be accommodated on the land available and would in any event create unacceptable impact on the existing settlement of West Horndon.

Object

Representation ID: 19738

Received: 12/03/2018

Respondent: Countryside Properties

Agent: Andrew Martin Planning Ltd

The proposal meets opposition from both Thurrock and Basildon Councils. Thurrock states that Brentwood Council has not thoroughly tested all the available options to meet the housing requirements.

Object

Representation ID: 19739

Received: 12/03/2018

Respondent: Countryside Properties

Agent: Andrew Martin Planning Ltd

The Council said it is "unlikely to be able to demonstrate a 5year housing land supply on plan adoption due to a significant rolling deficit" and: "one of the critical factors in this calculation will be the number and type of allocations that are deliverable in the first 5years of the plan. A mixed portfolio of sites, including smaller greenfield/Green Belt sites may form part of this approach, rather than over reliance on large scale strategic sites with longer delivery lead in periods and complex brownfield sites". Placing 46% of housing need on one site is contrary to above statements.

Object

Representation ID: 19740

Received: 12/03/2018

Respondent: Countryside Properties

Agent: Andrew Martin Planning Ltd

We submit that the higher target figure of 454 dwellings per annum or 9,080 over the plan period, proposed by DCLG in September 2017, should be taken as the appropriate target for growth going forward. The adjoining District of Basildon is proposing to adopt a level of growth in housing consistent with the government's advise on a standardised 'methodology' for calculating housing need, and household projections issued in September 2017.

Object

Representation ID: 19741

Received: 12/03/2018

Respondent: Countryside Properties

Agent: Andrew Martin Planning Ltd

The only real support for DHGV to justify its elevation to a 'preferred allocation' is that the scheme is 'supported by the Council'. The only reason given for rejection of West Horndon is opposition from local residents. In fact consultation on DHGV led to past wide-scale objection from the public and key stakeholders, which the Council has chosen to ignore.

Object

Representation ID: 19742

Received: 12/03/2018

Respondent: Countryside Properties

Agent: Andrew Martin Planning Ltd

The SA identifies 10 'reasonable spatial strategy alternatives' for growth. It maintains that land to the east of West Horndon would only be suitable in conjunction with land to the west. It could not be allocated in addition to DHGV. It is also described as a 'more constrained site' but no reasons are given. Table 6.2 on page 26 includes land to the east of West Horndon in 4 out of 10 options (option 1,6,9,10). Between 500 to 1000 homes are proposed in these options, all are capable of exceeding OAHN. Appraisal of these alternatives are inaccurate and misleading.

Object

Representation ID: 19743

Received: 12/03/2018

Respondent: Countryside Properties

Agent: Andrew Martin Planning Ltd

The SA concludes that all options have pros and cons: Option 1 (Land to the east and west of West Horndon)performs best from a landscape perspective. Option 3 (DHGV only) is said to have drawbacks in respect of biodiversity, landscape and housing. Despite the above conclusions, Option 3 DHGV only, is selected as the 'preferred approach'. The conclusion that this performs well in sustainability objectives is incorrect and ignores key issues such as landscape, in a borough juggling with the need to minimise impact on the Green Belt.

Object

Representation ID: 19744

Received: 12/03/2018

Respondent: Countryside Properties

Agent: Andrew Martin Planning Ltd

It is an isolated site with no transport connections and cannot compare to the sustainability score given to West Horndon, served by a train station and other existing public transport links. The NPPF consultation document just released by the government is clear in advising that where it is necessary for plans to release Green Belt land for development, this should start with brownfield sites and those well served by public transport. The preference for Dunton Hills as a location for large-scale growth, instead of West Horndon, is contrary to this latest advice.

Object

Representation ID: 19745

Received: 12/03/2018

Respondent: Countryside Properties

Agent: Andrew Martin Planning Ltd

The 2016 Green Belt Study concluded that Dunton is one of 7 sites that makes a 'high' contribution to the Green Belt. The site was "not contained", have "significant separation reduction" and harmful effects on functional countryside. Land at West Horndon only make a 'moderate' contribution to Green Belt. Development on land to the east of the settlement would decrease the gap to Basildon but still retain a functional open space. There would be some loss of countryside if developed. Land to the north-east would lead to larger encroachment of the countryside but not to the coalescence with other towns.