Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

We support the principles of sustainable development and policy SP1. However, the proposed policy SP2 are not compatible with the principles of this Policy (SP1) as they do not ensure the long-term vitality of all villages in the District as they restrict the development in particular settlements.

Focusing development and growth in a limited number of locations is not consistent with Policy SP1 or the Plan's objectives or supported by National Policy
The development strategy fails to plan positively for rural areas by limiting growth within it. This will ultimately adversely impact on the needs of these areas and the wider needs of the District. It does not allow smaller communities to grow sustainably and sensitively to meet housing needs
This Policy is at odds with NPPF (paragraph 55), which recognizes the needs of rural areas must be identified and catered for. Whilst we support development in the Settlements identified as Category A, B and C we do not consider that the policy is sound in only providing for limited development in these settlements and none in settlements outside this categorization. Appropriately scaled development in any Settlement is likely to be beneficial to these villages both to meet local housing needs and to underpin local facilities and services like the local hall, pub, and bus service.
We suggest that the development strategy is amended to allow for the needs of the rural area to be acknowledged and permit development within or adjacent to any settlement boundaries, where it can be justified.