Stage C Regulation 18 Draft Strategy and Site Allocations
GNLP 0354
I welcome the opportunity to comment on the site allocations and note that there is a proposal for a preferred housing allocation for at least 50 houses, Land at Johnson’s Farm, GNLP 0354 and that this forms part of the considered suitable amount of growth (100 additional dwellings) for Wymondham, in addition to 2463 existing dwellings commitment to 2038.
I welcome your consideration of previous objections to housing development on a larger scale (75ha) in this area in relation to scale, road safety, impact on amenity, and environmental and landscape damage. I note your assessment of the 75ha site concluded that it was not suitable for allocation due to the harm to the character and the appearance of the area, distance from facilities and services and highway capacity, and more over I welcome that this site is not allocated in this consultation (due to the impact on the setting of Wymondham Abbey and associated landscape) to the ‘reasonable alternatives’ to accommodate 1000 additional dwellings if GNLP does not meet local plan targets.
Although the proposed preferred allocation (GNLP 0354) is restricted to 2.34ha, as most of the site is considered in the strategy to be unreasonable due to the impact on the setting of Wymondham Abbey and associated landscape, I remain concerned that even the proposal for a smaller development of 50 homes (even though access is required to be from Abbey Road or Preston Drive), will have an impact on Bradman’s Lane, Cavick Road and Becketswell Road, and access to the Town from the south west. These highways already carry traffic at a volume, size and speed that is hazardous to all road users, including those who value this part of Wymondham for quiet and recreation in walking, cycling and the enjoyment of the countryside. Further increase in traffic would have a significant impact on the asset this area provides for Wymondham and its visitors. The indication that more than 50 homes may be accommodated subject to layout and design only strengthens this concern.
I would therefore ask that GNLP 0354 is not included as a preferred housing allocation in line with your stated objectives of protecting and enhancing the built, natural and historic environments.