Draft Local Plan Review

Yes

Representation ID: 1978

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: NFU West Midlands

Challenge N - further consideration needs to be given to impact of HS2 on farms and rural businesses:
Loss of agricultural buildings and homes.
Severance of existing farmsteads.

No

Representation ID: 2626

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: NFU West Midlands

Welcome support for farm-based rural economy in Para. 83.
Would like to see strengthened references, and in compliance with paragraphs 20 and 21 of NPPF.

No

Representation ID: 2627

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: NFU West Midlands

Recommend specific reference to farms and rural businesses in Policy P3 to support their growth and development, particularly in green belt areas.
Concerned that many thriving agricultural businesses in the area will be disadvantaged by the lack of specific support for the continued development of the rural economy in the current draft.
The industry needs are evolving and therefore some future proofing should be built into the policy in order to ensure that it keeps pace with developments in the industry.

No

Representation ID: 2628

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: NFU West Midlands

Support inclusion of rural exception sites.
Need policy on homes for rural workers, especially due to HS2 impacts.
Particular needs for farm workers not often met with off the shelf affordable homes.
Do not have option to move home if family grows.

No

Representation ID: 2629

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: NFU West Midlands

Not made a detailed examination of all the site allocations.
However, sites should not be allocated for residential development if they are found to be in near proximity to an existing livestock unit.
Farms can be sources of noise and odour and therefore neighbouring land could be unsuited to residential development. We are keen to ensure that development in the countryside does not result in conflict between new residents and existing farm businesses.

No

Representation ID: 2630

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: NFU West Midlands

Farms and rural businesses are totally reliant on car and HGV transport, there is no alternative.
In order for these businesses to remain vibrant their needs must be taken into account when planning investment in the rural transport network.
Concerned that policy P7 will set out a sustainability trap for diversified businesses in the rural areas, particularly if they are not on a rural bus route.
Tourism business in desirable rural locations rely on access by private car, therefore important that new tourism enterprises are allowed to develop in locations other than those that are accessible by public transport.

Yes

Representation ID: 2631

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: NFU West Midlands

Policy P9 - Many farmers are considering opportunities for investing in renewable energy production. This could include; roof mounted solar panels, wind, Anaerobic digestion or growing Biomass (for local heating etc). These farms represent a significant opportunity for the borough to produce renewable energy.

No

Representation ID: 2632

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: NFU West Midlands

Policy P10 - Farmers and landowners must be fully engaged with discussions on the natural environment as they own and manage many of the areas key green and blue infrastructure assets.
Should acknowledge that for many farmers environmental management is a core business activity. Routine investment in e.g. hedging, tree planting, cutting and grazing. Farmers who do not participate in agri-environment schemes also make valid contributions. The work of the Campaign for the Farmed Environment has shown that these farms use a range of voluntary techniques to enhance the options and that this management is funded by farm businesses.

No

Representation ID: 2633

Received: 16/02/2017

Respondent: NFU West Midlands

Policy P11 - Large new urban developments have the potential to cause downstream impacts, even when new SUDs techniques are employed.
Important to recognise that farmers have to deal with these impacts as they are responsible for maintaining many of the area's watercourses and drainage infrastructure.
Waterlogging and flooding impact upon food production and the productivity of agricultural land.
Need to emphasise downstream effects and considerable additional demands on the drainage capacity of the rural areas downstream of the area.
Remain concerned about the future management of SUDS structures. Need to investigate the wider impacts of water management.