Draft Greater Norwich Local Plan – Part 1 The Strategy
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Draft Greater Norwich Local Plan – Part 1 The Strategy
Question 25: Do you support, object or have any comments relating to the approach to on-site and local infrastructure, services and facilities?
Representation ID: 23142
Received: 16/03/2020
Respondent: Hopkins Homes
Agent: Bidwells
The need to support sustainable growth through the provision of on-site and local infrastructure
improvements is, in principle, supported. However, the policy should recognise that infrastructure
provision must be proportionate to each development, based on a local need and not undermine delivery.
Please see attached for full submission and supporting documents.
As outlined in the attached submission, the site is suitable, available, achievable and viable, and is therefore deliverable within the plan period.
Development in this location would represent sustainable development, as defined within the National Planning Policy Framework. Aylsham, as a Main Town, with the fourth highest level of shops and services outside Norwich, is already acknowledged as a highly sustainable location for residential growth, as evidenced through the significant quantum of development that has been approved in the last decade, and the attached text demonstrates that this specific site is a suitable location for further development in all respects.
Economically, residential development here in the plan period would help sustain and enhance local
services and facilities, and would also provide employment opportunities during the construction period.
Socially, the scale of development envisaged is such that it will enable the creation of a strong, vibrant and
healthy community, with easy access to existing and planned local services and facilities, as well as onsite
open space. A wide mix of dwelling types, sizes and tenures will be provided to meet local needs, and
CIL payments will ensure the provision of the necessary health and cultural facilities. The site is located
in close proximity to established communities in Aylsham, which should assist in achieving social
integration between the existing and new residents.
Environmentally, the site is located close to a range of services and facilities, and enjoys good access to
sustainable transport options providing access to the extensive array of facilities and services available
within Norwich and further afield. Residents will be able to meet their day-to-day needs easily and without
the need to use their car, assisting in reducing pollution and minimising the contribution to climate change.
On this basis, the site should be taken forward as an allocation, and is capable of making an important
contribution to the planned growth of the Greater Norwich Area in the period to 2036.
Comment
Draft Greater Norwich Local Plan – Part 1 The Strategy
Question 27: Do you support, object or have any comments relating to approach to affordable homes?
Representation ID: 23143
Received: 16/03/2020
Respondent: Hopkins Homes
Agent: Bidwells
Support principle, but notwithstanding Government guidance regarding the need for allocations to
demonstrate there is a realistic prospect of being delivered, the policy should, as per the existing policy
within the Joint Core Strategy, recognise that there may be a material change in circumstance, that may
warrant the submission of a viability assessment.
Please see attached for full submission and supporting documents.
As outlined in the attached submission, the site is suitable, available, achievable and viable, and is therefore deliverable within the plan period.
Development in this location would represent sustainable development, as defined within the National Planning Policy Framework. Aylsham, as a Main Town, with the fourth highest level of shops and services outside Norwich, is already acknowledged as a highly sustainable location for residential growth, as evidenced through the significant quantum of development that has been approved in the last decade, and the attached text demonstrates that this specific site is a suitable location for further development in all respects.
Economically, residential development here in the plan period would help sustain and enhance local
services and facilities, and would also provide employment opportunities during the construction period.
Socially, the scale of development envisaged is such that it will enable the creation of a strong, vibrant and
healthy community, with easy access to existing and planned local services and facilities, as well as onsite
open space. A wide mix of dwelling types, sizes and tenures will be provided to meet local needs, and
CIL payments will ensure the provision of the necessary health and cultural facilities. The site is located
in close proximity to established communities in Aylsham, which should assist in achieving social
integration between the existing and new residents.
Environmentally, the site is located close to a range of services and facilities, and enjoys good access to
sustainable transport options providing access to the extensive array of facilities and services available
within Norwich and further afield. Residents will be able to meet their day-to-day needs easily and without
the need to use their car, assisting in reducing pollution and minimising the contribution to climate change.
On this basis, the site should be taken forward as an allocation, and is capable of making an important
contribution to the planned growth of the Greater Norwich Area in the period to 2036.
Comment
Draft Greater Norwich Local Plan – Part 1 The Strategy
Question 28: Do you support, object or have any comments relating to the approach to space standards?
Representation ID: 23144
Received: 16/03/2020
Respondent: Hopkins Homes
Agent: Bidwells
In accordance with PPG requirements, space standards should only be introduced where there is
robust evidence to demonstrate that they are required. The evidence referenced within the draft Plan
indicates that, in fact, 75% of homes in Greater Norwich were delivered to the necessary standards
between 2016-2018, which calls into question the need for a policy requiring strict adherence.
Notwithstanding the above, the policy should include flexibility in its wording to allow delivery of homes
that are below the space standards, where they are well-designed and meet specific needs.
Please see attached for full submission and supporting documents.
As outlined in the attached submission, the site is suitable, available, achievable and viable, and is therefore deliverable within the plan period.
Development in this location would represent sustainable development, as defined within the National Planning Policy Framework. Aylsham, as a Main Town, with the fourth highest level of shops and services outside Norwich, is already acknowledged as a highly sustainable location for residential growth, as evidenced through the significant quantum of development that has been approved in the last decade, and the attached text demonstrates that this specific site is a suitable location for further development in all respects.
Economically, residential development here in the plan period would help sustain and enhance local
services and facilities, and would also provide employment opportunities during the construction period.
Socially, the scale of development envisaged is such that it will enable the creation of a strong, vibrant and
healthy community, with easy access to existing and planned local services and facilities, as well as onsite
open space. A wide mix of dwelling types, sizes and tenures will be provided to meet local needs, and
CIL payments will ensure the provision of the necessary health and cultural facilities. The site is located
in close proximity to established communities in Aylsham, which should assist in achieving social
integration between the existing and new residents.
Environmentally, the site is located close to a range of services and facilities, and enjoys good access to
sustainable transport options providing access to the extensive array of facilities and services available
within Norwich and further afield. Residents will be able to meet their day-to-day needs easily and without
the need to use their car, assisting in reducing pollution and minimising the contribution to climate change.
On this basis, the site should be taken forward as an allocation, and is capable of making an important
contribution to the planned growth of the Greater Norwich Area in the period to 2036.
Object
Draft Greater Norwich Local Plan – Part 1 The Strategy
Question 32: Do you support, object or have any comments relating to the approach to Self/Custom-Build?
Representation ID: 23145
Received: 16/03/2020
Respondent: Hopkins Homes
Agent: Bidwells
The proposal to require all developments of 40+ dwellings to provide 5% of plots as serviced
self/custom build plots is considered inappropriate and unjustified. The supporting text indicates that at
present there are 113 people on the Self Build Register in the Greater Norwich Area. The proposed
policy will result in a level of supply which significantly exceeds the demand. Furthermore, particularly
for the larger sites, it will have a significant impact on continuity in delivery, which is critical for both the
developers and for the Councils in ensuring they are able to maintain a 5-year land supply.
In addition, it may make it difficult to achieve a well-integrated development from a design perspective.
Self/Custom Build plots should be secured on a site-by-site basis, dependent on local need at the time
of the development, or alternatively an exception site approach could be taken to stimulate supply.
Please see attached for full submission and supporting documents.
As outlined in the attached submission, the site is suitable, available, achievable and viable, and is therefore deliverable within the plan period.
Development in this location would represent sustainable development, as defined within the National Planning Policy Framework. Aylsham, as a Main Town, with the fourth highest level of shops and services outside Norwich, is already acknowledged as a highly sustainable location for residential growth, as evidenced through the significant quantum of development that has been approved in the last decade, and the attached text demonstrates that this specific site is a suitable location for further development in all respects.
Economically, residential development here in the plan period would help sustain and enhance local
services and facilities, and would also provide employment opportunities during the construction period.
Socially, the scale of development envisaged is such that it will enable the creation of a strong, vibrant and
healthy community, with easy access to existing and planned local services and facilities, as well as onsite
open space. A wide mix of dwelling types, sizes and tenures will be provided to meet local needs, and
CIL payments will ensure the provision of the necessary health and cultural facilities. The site is located
in close proximity to established communities in Aylsham, which should assist in achieving social
integration between the existing and new residents.
Environmentally, the site is located close to a range of services and facilities, and enjoys good access to
sustainable transport options providing access to the extensive array of facilities and services available
within Norwich and further afield. Residents will be able to meet their day-to-day needs easily and without
the need to use their car, assisting in reducing pollution and minimising the contribution to climate change.
On this basis, the site should be taken forward as an allocation, and is capable of making an important
contribution to the planned growth of the Greater Norwich Area in the period to 2036.
Support
Draft Greater Norwich Local Plan – Part 1 The Strategy
Question 41. Do you support or object or wish to comment on the approach for the main towns overall? Please identify particular issues.
Representation ID: 23146
Received: 16/03/2020
Respondent: Hopkins Homes
Agent: Bidwells
As detailed in comments provided in respect of Question 13, the proposed Settlement Hierarchy and the
identification of the Main Towns to accommodate approximately 14% of housing growth during the period
to 2038 is supported.
As detailed in the draft Local Plan, the Main Towns, such as Aylsham, provide a range of services and
amenities and are, therefore, the most sustainable and suitable locations for the majority of growth.
Development in these locations is key to ensuring the sustainability of the rural economy.
More specifically, Aylsham is recognised in the draft Local Plan as a sustainable location, with a good
range of shops and services, as well as local employment opportunities. It also benefits from good public transport links to Norwich and beyond. Consequently, it is a suitable location for additional growth, in accordance with the settlement hierarchy.
Please see attached for full submission and supporting documents.
As outlined in the attached submission, the site is suitable, available, achievable and viable, and is therefore deliverable within the plan period.
Development in this location would represent sustainable development, as defined within the National Planning Policy Framework. Aylsham, as a Main Town, with the fourth highest level of shops and services outside Norwich, is already acknowledged as a highly sustainable location for residential growth, as evidenced through the significant quantum of development that has been approved in the last decade, and the attached text demonstrates that this specific site is a suitable location for further development in all respects.
Economically, residential development here in the plan period would help sustain and enhance local
services and facilities, and would also provide employment opportunities during the construction period.
Socially, the scale of development envisaged is such that it will enable the creation of a strong, vibrant and
healthy community, with easy access to existing and planned local services and facilities, as well as onsite
open space. A wide mix of dwelling types, sizes and tenures will be provided to meet local needs, and
CIL payments will ensure the provision of the necessary health and cultural facilities. The site is located
in close proximity to established communities in Aylsham, which should assist in achieving social
integration between the existing and new residents.
Environmentally, the site is located close to a range of services and facilities, and enjoys good access to
sustainable transport options providing access to the extensive array of facilities and services available
within Norwich and further afield. Residents will be able to meet their day-to-day needs easily and without
the need to use their car, assisting in reducing pollution and minimising the contribution to climate change.
On this basis, the site should be taken forward as an allocation, and is capable of making an important
contribution to the planned growth of the Greater Norwich Area in the period to 2036.
Support
Draft Greater Norwich Local Plan – Part 1 The Strategy
Question 42. Do you support or object or wish to comment on the approach for specific towns (Aylsham, Diss (with part of Roydon), Harleston, Long Stratton and Wymondham)? Please identify particular issues.
Representation ID: 23147
Received: 16/03/2020
Respondent: Hopkins Homes
Agent: Bidwells
We strongly support the proposed allocation of at least 300 dwellings within Aylsham. As detailed in
our response to Question 41, as one of five Main Towns in the settlement hierarchy, Aylsham is a
suitable and sustainable location for growth. Allocating this quantum of development to the town will
assist in ensuring its continued vitality and viability as a Market Town, serving a wide rural hinterland.
Please see attached for full submission and supporting documents.
As outlined in the attached submission, the site is suitable, available, achievable and viable, and is therefore deliverable within the plan period.
Development in this location would represent sustainable development, as defined within the National Planning Policy Framework. Aylsham, as a Main Town, with the fourth highest level of shops and services outside Norwich, is already acknowledged as a highly sustainable location for residential growth, as evidenced through the significant quantum of development that has been approved in the last decade, and the attached text demonstrates that this specific site is a suitable location for further development in all respects.
Economically, residential development here in the plan period would help sustain and enhance local
services and facilities, and would also provide employment opportunities during the construction period.
Socially, the scale of development envisaged is such that it will enable the creation of a strong, vibrant and
healthy community, with easy access to existing and planned local services and facilities, as well as onsite
open space. A wide mix of dwelling types, sizes and tenures will be provided to meet local needs, and
CIL payments will ensure the provision of the necessary health and cultural facilities. The site is located
in close proximity to established communities in Aylsham, which should assist in achieving social
integration between the existing and new residents.
Environmentally, the site is located close to a range of services and facilities, and enjoys good access to
sustainable transport options providing access to the extensive array of facilities and services available
within Norwich and further afield. Residents will be able to meet their day-to-day needs easily and without
the need to use their car, assisting in reducing pollution and minimising the contribution to climate change.
On this basis, the site should be taken forward as an allocation, and is capable of making an important
contribution to the planned growth of the Greater Norwich Area in the period to 2036.
Comment
Draft Greater Norwich Local Plan – Part 1 The Strategy
Question 48. Do you support or object or wish to comment any other aspect of the draft plan not covered in other questions? This includes the appendices below. Please identify particular issues.
Representation ID: 23148
Received: 16/03/2020
Respondent: Hopkins Homes
Agent: Bidwells
The following comments relate to the Greater Norwich Local Plan, Interim Viability Study, prepared by
NPS Group (November, 19).
Whilst there is general support for the approach adopted and the collaborative approach that the GNLP
Team are seeking to adopt, there is concern that the assumptions made within the Viability Study in
relation to, amongst other things, sales values, build costs and benchmark land values are too generic
and not backed up by comparable evidence. A few specific comments are provided below:
• The assumed land values are too low and not representative of market values. Comparable
evidence needs to be provided to justify the figures used.
• Garages should be added into the build cost calculation.
• No allowance has been made for Abnormals. This should be included or, alternatively, the
contingency should be increased accordingly.
• No allowance is made for planning or promotion costs.
• An allowance should be made for Services. These are becoming increasingly expensive
particularly given the increased requirements anticipated through the Future Homes Standards
Consultation.
• There is a concern that the £5,000 allowance for energy efficiency measures is too low.
• The affordable rent values are included at 60% of Open Market Values. Based on recent
evidence we would suggest that this figure should be between 45%/50% of open market value.
• The intermediate units (Affordable Homes Ownership) are included at 75% of OMV. Based on
recent evidence we would suggest that assuming a shared ownership model, the figure should
be between 65% of open market value.
Please see attached for full submission and supporting documents.
As outlined in the attached submission, the site is suitable, available, achievable and viable, and is therefore deliverable within the plan period.
Development in this location would represent sustainable development, as defined within the National Planning Policy Framework. Aylsham, as a Main Town, with the fourth highest level of shops and services outside Norwich, is already acknowledged as a highly sustainable location for residential growth, as evidenced through the significant quantum of development that has been approved in the last decade, and the attached text demonstrates that this specific site is a suitable location for further development in all respects.
Economically, residential development here in the plan period would help sustain and enhance local
services and facilities, and would also provide employment opportunities during the construction period.
Socially, the scale of development envisaged is such that it will enable the creation of a strong, vibrant and
healthy community, with easy access to existing and planned local services and facilities, as well as onsite
open space. A wide mix of dwelling types, sizes and tenures will be provided to meet local needs, and
CIL payments will ensure the provision of the necessary health and cultural facilities. The site is located
in close proximity to established communities in Aylsham, which should assist in achieving social
integration between the existing and new residents.
Environmentally, the site is located close to a range of services and facilities, and enjoys good access to
sustainable transport options providing access to the extensive array of facilities and services available
within Norwich and further afield. Residents will be able to meet their day-to-day needs easily and without
the need to use their car, assisting in reducing pollution and minimising the contribution to climate change.
On this basis, the site should be taken forward as an allocation, and is capable of making an important
contribution to the planned growth of the Greater Norwich Area in the period to 2036.
