Object

Representation ID: 8852

Received: 15/03/2019

Respondent: Rainier Developments Ltd - Land South of Park Lane

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. Below we set out our concerns with the Council's previous assessment of the site for housing (reference 305). The site was assessed as 'red' and 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'. The site is relatively free from constraint. Issues such as heritage, given the Grade II and II* listed buildings on Lavender Hall Lane, can be satisfactorily addressed through good design. This is bearing in mind the Council's conclusions on how their setting will already be affected by HS2. The site is within a large parcel (BA04) that is assessed as high performing this parcel probably the largest within the Borough. This is a meaningless assessment of the site's contribution
to the Green Belt, particularly as it does not take into account the amendments to the Green Belt around Balsall Common that are proposed through the draft Plan. HS2 should be considered in the assessment as the proposed route runs through the site and crosses Park Lane. HS2 will provide the site with an even stronger defensible boundary to the east. In addition, Park Lane is being upgraded alongside the provision of a new roundabout with the A452 to provide construction access for HS2. Accordingly, a more site-specific Green Belt assessment which accounts for committed development would clearly result in a significantly poorer score for this parcel of land. Landscape character assessment is broad and does not take into account HS2 and the upgraded Park Lane, which will have significant implications for the surrounding landscape and its capacity for further change. the Council have identified a number of allocations with similar landscape character, including other Balsall Common allocations such as the nearby Land at Wootton Green Lane and Kenilworth Road (reference 240). Consistency in the approach to assessments is required. We consider the site has high accessibility. It is less than 15 minutes walk from Berkswell Station, less than 10 minutes walk from the Sainsburys Local. Significant number of residents within walking and cycling distance of the employment opportunities presented by this site, including several 'green' assessed sites nearby. The site should be reassessed as a green site and identified as a draft allocation for employment purposes towards the end of the Plan period.