Policy 7.4: Village Clusters
Policy 4: Village Clusters

We support this policy

However, guidance for employment development outside settlement limits is required in the policy.

Reference required to custom build homes. Village clusters will tend to be the location sought by self-build and custom house builders.

Policy 7.5: Small Scale Windfall Housing Development

Policy 5: Small Scale Windfall housing development

We support this policy with the proposed slight modifications:

i. The word minimum is changed to maximum; and
ii. The policy includes compliance to a list of criteria requiring outstanding or innovative designs which promote high levels of sustainability, or help to raise the standard of design more generally in rural areas, so long as they fit in with the overall form and layout of their surroundings. For example, low carbon developments incorporating renewable energy generation. (Paragraph 131 of the NPPF 2019)

Justification

Rural areas can sometimes be seen as less sustainable locations for housing. However, it is important maintain the vitality in these areas. Delivery in these locations can offer an opportunity to showcase new innovative designs and reduce carbon emissions though electric vehicle charging etc. in locations less accessible by public transport and other alternative modes.