Object

Representation ID: 8746

Received: 15/03/2019

Respondent: Rainier Developments Ltd - Land at Fulford Hall Road

Agent: Barton Willmore Planning

We broadly agree with the methodology but raise issues with the manner in which it has been applied to the site assessment process. We object to the manner in which our site (site assessment reference 404) has been assessed as 'red'. We do not agree with the conclusion that it will have 'severe or widespread impacts that are not outweighed by the benefits of the proposal'. Given the geographic similarities, we make a direct comparison to site 41, Land at Whitlock's End Farm; and site 176, Land to the West of Dickens Heath, both of which are assessed as 'green' sites
and are identified as draft allocations (draft Plan sites 26 and 4 respectively).
Site has been assessed as low accessibility to the primary school despite being adjacent to it. There is a formal agreement with Bellway to create footpath linkages through adjacent site which would reduce time taken to walk to the school. Public transport is also incorrectly assessed as being low / medium for same reason walking distance to station is reduced. Assessment states no footpaths however as stated above a new footpath will be provided along Rumbush Lane. These conclusions on accessibility are supported further by the appeal decision for the adjacent Bellway site. It is clear the site is close to a variety of services and facilities at Tidbury Green and Dickens Heath and a number of sustainable transport options are available which will be enhanced through the development of the enhanced Bellway scheme. The site is similar to the proposed draft allocations in terms of contribution to the purposes of the green belt. Requests site is reassessed based on evidence submitted. In terms of landscape the site has been assessed as 'within a landscape character of high sensitivity,medium landscape value and very low capacity to accommodate change'. However landscape and visual appraisal undertaken by Barton Wilmore Landscape concludes that the site can accommodate development which is of a type and scale that reflects the existing development within Tidbury Green. Mitigation is proposed to reduce visual permeability to ensure that the development can be accommodated without undermining the function of the Green Belt and without causing harm to the landscape. As such landscape should not be a reason to object to the principle of development on the site. Disagrees with the conclusion 'the development would result in an unacceptable incursion into the countryside and cause coalescence by narrowing the gap between Dickens Heath and Tidbury Green'. Nothing in the Council's evidence that places a higher protection of the area between Dickens Heath and Tidbury Green (for our site) than between Dickens Heath and Shirley (for the draft allocation at Whitlock's End Farm).