Draft Local Plan-Part 2 Site Allocations

The subject site is proposed in the latest version of the emerging GNLP as an allocation. Hopkins Homes endorse this approach and fully support the allocation of the site in the local plan in due course.

Further work has been undertaken by Hopkins Homes in respect of access to the site and as such, a single access plus emergency access solution is considered appropriate. Hopkins Homes, therefore, respectfully, propose an amendment to the wording of the policy to allow flexibility at the planning application stage in respect of the final access solution.

Hopkins Homes objects to the Draft GNLP because it does not allocate any new homes at Wroxham. It is considered that land at south Wroxham has potential to deliver new homes in a highly sustainable manner. There is no technical justification for the omission of new allocations at Wroxham. The current approach will not meet the identified needs in the recently adopted Wroxham Neighbourhood Plan, including needs for older people. Hopkins Homes’ land at south Wroxham presents a logical and sustainable location for new housing provision and meets the tests of soundness set out in the NPPF. The Wroxham Site assessment published as part of the GNLP consultation conclude that these sites are not suitable for development citing landscape and traffic impacts as being reasons for restricting growth in Wroxham. The conclusion is not consistent with the Council’s evidence base. The Council’s Housing Employment Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) do not identify issues which would preclude development on the sites and conclude that the development is suitable.

Hopkins Homes’ land at East of Salhouse Road, Wroxham presents a logical and sustainable location for new housing provision and meets the tests of soundness set out in the NPPF. There are no constraints which would preclude development in this location and further details on the site and a response technical issues raised in the Council's evidence base are provided on the attached.

Hopkins Homes’ land south of Wherry Gardens, Wroxham presents a logical and sustainable location for new housing provision and meets the tests of soundness set out in the NPPF. There are no constraints which would preclude development in this location and further details on the site and a response technical issues raised in the Council's evidence base are provided on the attached.

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.