Site Proposals document

Representations submitted by Atkins Ltd on behalf of RJ Baker and Son:

Given this site's sustainable location in close proximity to Wymondham town centre and public transport, its proximity to existing infrastructure and the proposed creation of a substantial and easily accessible public open space as part of the development, it enjoys significant advantages over other proposed housing sites around Wymondham. Furthermore, the site is sufficiently large to facilitate the provision of appropriate social infrastructure, including a primary school and other community facilities.

Reference is made in the Wymondham Settlement Summary at Section 5.90 of the Site Proposals Document to the possible impact on the setting of Wymondham Abbey and other heritage assets of development at the 'town-side' of the site. To address this concern we have carried out a detailed assessment of views to and from the Abbey and of the setting of the Abbey, having regard to relevant Government guidance and current good practice. The findings of our study are set out in the Heritage Setting Appraisal report which was submitted under the Call for Sites on 14 August 2017. This evidence should be taken into consideration when the suitability of the site for inclusion in the published list of preferred sites is assessed as the Draft Local Plan is prepared.

Our analysis of the evidence collected and set out in the Heritage Setting Appraisal report, clearly demonstrates that:

* A housing development on the land at Johnson's Farm would not be visible from Wymondham Abbey because of the presence of screening trees, which would remain as part of the development.
* The development can be planned to safeguard existing views of the Abbey from locations in Bradman's Lane, which crosses the site, by incorporating view corridors towards the Abbey, free from obstruction.
* Housing development at Johnson's Farm would not impinge upon nor significantly harm the setting of the Abbey.

This site enjoys a number of clear advantages for housing development both in its own right and in comparison with other proposed sites, not least its proximity a few minutes' walk from the town centre and its potential to provide a new 35 acre park for the people of Wymondham. Importantly the proposed housing development on land at Johnson's Farm would exclude Becketswell Meadow which would be safeguarded from development and included in the proposed new park. Further open space would be provided at the south western (Wicklewood) end of the site. These community benefits and its sustainable location put this site at an advantage over other sites. This advantage plus the fact that the site can be developed for housing without significant harm to the setting and views of Wymondham Abbey, indicates that it should be identified as a preferred site for housing in the draft Local Plan.