Support

Representation ID: 22801

Received: 16/03/2020

Respondent: Strutt & Parker LLP

The site can be brought forward through the submission of a joint Masterplan which could accompany an outline application. Initial discussions have taken place with private house builders who have expressed an interest in purchasing the site on either an unconditional (post planning) or subject to planning basis. An updated planning and delivery strategy will be agreed following pre-application advice and public consultation.

Scott Properties are confident that a respective development partner for the site will be identified to bring forward reserved matters applications within two years or less of outline consent being obtained. A significant amount of technical work has already been undertaken which has confirmed there are no overriding physical constraints to development of the site. Scott Properties intend to submit a pre-application advice request in May 2020. The proposals will be amended as required by the pre-application advice and then taken forward for wider public and community consultation. This will centre around a public consultation event planned for Autumn 2020 followed by an online and postal feedback exercise.

Assuming that a planning application is submitted following the Regulation 19 consultation in 2021, it is reasonable to expect that planning permission could be forthcoming before the end of 2021 allowing contractual arrangements to be completed with development partners before the end of the year (if not already concluded). Respective reserve matters applications could then be prepared and submitted in the early part of 2022 meaning that development on site could commence in 2022 via either route. Based on this assessment, it is anticipated that the first houses could be available for occupation in 2024. Assuming completions of 50 family houses per year, as set out in the table below the site could be completed in 2027.

While the site is in multiple ownerships, Scott Properties is working closely with the owners of all three parcels so that the site can be bought forward as one. As such, development of the site is achievable. It is available now and would represent a realistic and deliverable development in the current market conditions. We further support the inclusion of the site within the Local Plan as it is located adjacent to the settlement boundary and as such would represent a logical expansion to the town. Our professional judgement is that this site could come forward with a viable residential housing scheme that is policy compliant.

As outlined within the National Planning Policy Framework 2019, to be considered ‘deliverable’, sites for housing should be ‘available now, offer a suitable location for development now, and be achievable with a realistic prospect that housing will be delivered on the site within five years.’ In summary, we consider that there is suitable for residential development, available within the next 5 years and achievable.