Draft Local Plan-Part 2 Site Allocations

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Draft Local Plan-Part 2 Site Allocations

COL 2 /GNLP0140-C

Representation ID: 21930

Received: 13/03/2020

Respondent: UEA Estates & Buildings

Agent: Bidwells

Representation Summary:

we strongly support the preferred allocation of GNLP0140-C, Land rear/east of Institute of Food Research. The site is entirely deliverable, and capable of making a signficant contribution towards facilitating the UEA’s forecasted student growth and expansion, as part of the wider Norwich Research Park, up to 2038.

The NRP is a highly sustainable location for growth. Development on the site will help support the long-term growth of both the NRP and UEA, helping to support, sustain, and enhance the UEA’s role as a world class research university. Furthermore, development on the site will help to sustain and enhance the important role of the NRP and UEA to Norwich’s and the wider UK’s economy, alongside supporting the Norwich to Cambridge tech corridor.
As has been demonstrated, the site is suitable, available, achievable and viable, and is deliverable within the plan period. As previously recognised, there are no constraints which would affect the suitability of the site for B1(b) Science Park development, hospital expansion and other proposals ancillary and complementary to these uses. Accordingly, the foregoing text demonstrates that this specific site is a suitable location for development, and the UEA support the GNLP’s proposals to allocate the site under GNLP0140-C for B1(b) Science Park development, hospital expansion and other proposals ancillary and complementary to these uses.

Full text:

Please see attached for full submission

Object

Draft Local Plan-Part 2 Site Allocations

GNLP0135

Representation ID: 22053

Received: 13/03/2020

Respondent: UEA Estates & Buildings

Agent: Bidwells

Representation Summary:

On behalf of the UEA, we strongly propose the allocation of GNLP0135, Wood Hall, Hethersett. The site is entirely
deliverable, and capable of making a significant contribution towards satisfying the Councils’ housing needs during the period to 2038.
GNLP0135 has been assessed as being an unreasonable residential site in the draft GNLP, due to not having acceptable access onto the B1172. Furthermore, it is recognised that the site is constrained due to onsite trees and the setting of Wood Hall.
The following Representation outlines the suitability of the site for residential development, recommending that the site is re-considered and allocated for residential development. In accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework’s (NPPF) definition of ‘deliverable’, the proposed allocation represents a suitable location for development now, is available immediately, is achievable with a realistic prospect of housing being delivered on the site, and is viable. See full submission.

Hethersett is a high sustainable location for growth, benefitting from an infant and nursery school, primary school, high school, library, Tesco supermarket, alongside a range of employment and retail opportunities.
As has been demonstrated, the site is suitable, available, achievable and viable, and is deliverable within the plan period.
As previously recognised, there are no constraints which would affect the suitability of the site for residential development.
The foregoing text demonstrates that this site is a suitable location for development, and therefore, GNLP0135 should be allocated for residential development.

Full text:

On behalf of the UEA, we strongly propose the allocation of GNLP0135, Wood Hall, Hethersett. The site is entirely
deliverable, and capable of making a significant contribution towards satisfying the Councils’ housing needs during the
period to 2038.
GNLP0135 has been assessed as being an unreasonable residential site in the draft GNLP, due to not having acceptable
access onto the B1172. Furthermore, it is recognised that the site is constrained due to onsite trees and the setting of
Wood Hall.
The following Representation outlines the suitability of the site for residential development, recommending that the site
is re-considered and allocated for residential development. In accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework’s
(NPPF) definition of ‘deliverable’, the proposed allocation represents a suitable location for development now, is available
immediately, is achievable with a realistic prospect of housing being delivered on the site, and is viable. This is considered
in further detail below.
Assessment of Delivery
Suitable
The site falls within Hethersett, which is identified in the draft GNLP as a Key Service Centre, as it provides a location
which has a good range of services and amenities to support day to day life. whilst also providing access to public
transport and employment opportunities. These services include an infant and nursery school, primary school, high
school, library, Tesco supermarket, alongside a range of employment and retail opportunities. In addition, the draft GNLP
recognises how Hethersett falls within the main Cambridge Norwich Tech corridor area, helping to focus most of the
housing, employment and infrastructure growth.
Furthermore, the suitability of Hethersett for growth has been demonstrated through the urban extension to the north of
Hethersett, including the development of up to 1196 dwellings and associated land uses (reference: 2011/1804).
Given the suitability of Hethersett, it is surprising that no new allocations are proposed in Hethersett; instead, existing
commitments of 1,369 dwellings for the period up to 2038 will be carried forward. It is, therefore, recommended that
GNLP0135 is allocated for residential development, to further provide deliverable supply, given the uncertainties of other
sites delivering. It is noted that there is concern regarding the deliverability of other sites across the GNLP area, such as
Carrow Works, which is a preferred allocation for 1,200 dwellings.
The following commentary demonstrates the suitability of the site having regard to technical matters, whilst responding
to the points raised in the justification for assessment of the site as an unreasonable alternative in the draft GNLP.
Access
The main justification for the site being identified as an unreasonable alternative in the draft GNLP is due to access.
However, as outlined in previous Representations, there is existing access to the site from the B1172. Subject to
improvements, this access could facilitate development on the site. It is also noted that the B1172 is relatively straight,
helping to achieve visibility for vehicles leaving the site.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPO)
Page 2 of 2
The site is covered by a Group Tree Preservation Order (reference: SN125), which includes various species.
Notwithstanding this, development on the site could be designed in a manner to mitigate impacts on the TPO.
Heritage Assets
The site falls within the grounds of Wood Hall, a Grade II Listed Building. However, development on the site could be
designed in a manner to minimise any adverse impact on the setting of the heritage asset.
Available
The site, in its entirety, is owned by the UEA. However, there is an existing covenant on the site, in respect of the future
sale of Wood Hall.
Achievable
Based on the suitability assessment above, there are no site-specific constraints which could preclude the delivery of
residential development on the site. Residential development on the site is deemed to be entirely achievable.
Viable
The UEA are confident that the delivery of the site is viable having regard to the policy requirements of the draft GNLP
and there are no factors that we are aware of, at this moment in time, that could prevent the delivery of the site.
Further discussions are required with the GNLP Team on these matters in order to confirm that the various policy
objectives, such as affordable housing and community infrastructure, can be delivered on site without prejudicing the
viability of the site. The UEA are keen to continue discussions with the GNLP Team on this matter.
Summary
Hethersett is a high sustainable location for growth, benefitting from an infant and nursery school, primary school, high
school, library, Tesco supermarket, alongside a range of employment and retail opportunities.
As has been demonstrated, the site is suitable, available, achievable and viable, and is deliverable within the plan period.
As previously recognised, there are no constraints which would affect the suitability of the site for residential development.
The foregoing text demonstrates that this site is a suitable location for development, and therefore, GNLP0135 should
be allocated for residential development.

Attachments:

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