I note that the proposed Concept Masterplan is the outcome of a lengthy collaboration involving
landowners, Arden Academy, parents, students, and members of the local community and that all parties agree in principle that this plan represents an effective solution to meeting the needs of the whole
community. In my view, this open and collaborative approach meets the required tests of soundness and legal compliance.

It is clear from all the studies commissioned by UK Central Government, SMBC and the KDBH Neighbourhood Forum that an allocation of new housing is justified and warranted within this plan area. It is equally clear firstly that recent new housing schemes have contributed little in terms of improvement to local services and facilities and that, secondly, the long term viability of the current Arden Academy is unsustainable in terms of quality learning provision on the current site. The school is long-overdue for re-development but has no means by which to undertake this work. T

Furthermore the consideration given to the location and access routes for the new school will serve to mitigate the current traffic and access challenges associated with the current school site whilst maintaining and encouraging walking and cycling access in line with the SMBC and Neighbourhood Plan policies and aims.

More generally, having actively engaged in the production of the KDBH NF local policies I consider that the plans as described herein have taken due account of and meet the intention of these.

The proposals outlined in the Concept Masterplan therefore represent a balanced, justified, legally compliant and sound basis on which to meet both needs for the long term viability of the whole community.

As a local resident (Lodge Road), parent and member of the KDBH NF I therefore wholly heartedly support this proposal.