Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

The following comments relate to overall approach to housing set out in NHDC's Proposed Local Plan. Separate comments are given in relation to the proposed Local Housing Allocation on Land West of Claybush Road (AS1)
1. NHDC's overall approach fails to meet the Soundness criteria. In particular, it is not Justified - since it makes no reference to the three alternative sites identified through the Parish Council's draft Neighbourhood Plan. In this way, NHDC has fallen short of the provisions of the Localism Act (2011) - in spite of the clear reference to Neighbourhood Plan on page 7 of the Local Plan, as enabling 'local communities to shape development in their area.'
2. In addition, NHDC's approach is not Consistent with national policy, in that it is not addressed the following requirement of the National Planning Policy Framework:-
'Where potential harm to relevant natural or historic assets may occur, consider this against the public benefits that may arise from any proposed development.'

The following comments relate to the proposed Local Housing Allocation on Land West of Claybush Road (AS1)

1. This proposal fails to meet the Soundness criteria. It is not Positively prepared - for example, no detail is given as to how impact on Ashwell Primary School would be addressed. Under Infrastucture and Mitigation, it is noted that

13.12 'Additional education provision will be needed in Ashwell during the Plan period, funding will therefore be sought to ensure the local education infrastructure can accommodate the additional demand arising from the site.'

Given that additional education provision is likely to mean the construction of a new school, the lack of detail in this area is a major shortcoming in the Plan.

It is not Justified - since it has been put forward without reference to the alternative sites identified through the Parish Council's draft Neighbourhood Plan. The proposal would yield 33 out of a planned total of 95 new homes. The remaining 62 (65% of the total) have already been completed or permitted since the start of the Local Plan period. NHDC has not made clear its reasons for preferring one single site in order to meet its planned total, rather than spread new homes across different locations in Ashwell.

It is not Effective; it will not enable the delivery of sustainable development, in view of the severe limitations on pedestrian and vehicular access to the Claybush Road site - and the related concerns for safety. The proposal does not meet the requirements of NHDC's Policy T1: Assessment of Transport Matters, as set out in the draft Local Plan.

It is not Consistent with national policy. Requirements from the National Planning Policy Framework which are not adequately addressed in the Plan include:-

- 'Identify what infrastructure will be required to support planned development'

As noted above, the consequences of proposed new housing off Claybush Road would exacerbate existing pressures on Ashwell Primary School - and bring forward the need for an entirely school. The Plan gives no detail in this regard.

- 'Where potential harm to relevant natural or historic assets may occur, consider this against the public benefits that may arise from any proposed development.'

NHDC's consideration of previous planning applications for new homes to the west of Claybush Road has given due regard to impacts on the natural and historic environment. These factors remain - and were repeatedly highlighted in representations from Ashwell Parish Council, and from individual citizens, against the 2016 Planning Application from Croudace Homes.