Object

Representation ID: 8795

Received: 15/03/2019

Respondent: Rainier Developments Ltd - Land North of School 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. Specifically we object to the manner in which our site (site assessment reference 416) 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'. Site is well enclosed by defensible boundaries to the west by Ashford Lane and a detached dwelling; to the south by School Road and a detached dwelling; and to the north by another detached dwelling and agricultural buildings. Do not agree that landscape presents a constraint to development, the character assessment is broad in nature and a more site-specific assessment would arrive at a different conclusion having regard to the context of this site. A number of larger allocations have similar landscape characteristics. Site adjacent to 84 School Lane is assessed as green and our site could result in an identical conclusion. Site contains good accessibility to services and facilities in the village. This includes Hockley Heath Primary School and a bus service to Dorridge, which contains a rail station with direct links to Solihull and Birmingham. Other nearby services in Hockley Heath can be accessed by a short walk or cycle. Hockley Heath should be higher in the settlement hierarchy and identified as suitable for higher levels of growth.
We consider that Hockley Heath is a sustainable location for additional housing growth as it has a sufficient range of services and facilities within the village, including a primary school.

There are no constraints which cannot be mitigated, including heritage, flooding, ecology, trees and access. Development here would not adversely impact upon the character of the settlement.
Improved accessibility is proposed for properties along School Road to and from the village centre through the provision of a footpath.
The site is in single ownership and is available for development with no legal or ownership problems.
It is free from significant constraints and there is strong market demand for housing in this area, it can therefore be considered deliverable (from the point of Local Plan adoption) in terms of the definition within the NPPF.