Development Management DPD - Revised Proposed Submission

Comment

Representation ID: 1654

Received: 16/05/2014

Respondent: Cogent Land LLP (Cogent)

Agent: Iceni Projects Ltd

The population of Southend has increased significantly in recent years, and is projected to experience significant and rapid growth at least until 2031. In order to accommodate this growth, further provision of housing and employment opportunities will need to be delivered in the area, together with associated infrastructure necessary to serve the population.

Cogent recognises that the potential of Southend cannot be fully realised without extensive new highway and public transport infrastructure and accordingly, Cogent is promoting an extension of Southend to enable the delivery of significant improvements to the strategic transport infrastructure network that will realise the long-standing objectives of the Council. In particular, Cogent has identified the potential for the development of land at Bournes Green, which is capable of delivery in the short term, and can provide private and affordable family housing alongside contributions to the improvement of the strategic transport network.

Object

Representation ID: 1655

Received: 16/05/2014

Respondent: Cogent Land LLP (Cogent)

Agent: Iceni Projects Ltd

Legally compliant? Yes

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

The continued reference to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and BREEAM very good in Policy DM2 should be amended. As previously advised, this should not quote specific standards as otherwise the policy is likely to date quickly as standards change.

Support

Representation ID: 1656

Received: 16/05/2014

Respondent: Cogent Land LLP (Cogent)

Agent: Iceni Projects Ltd

The new version of the proposed submission version contains references to "where viable and feasible" in the policies related to sustainability (DM2). This addition is supported in principle as it is considered particularly important in the context of the NPPF.

Comment

Representation ID: 1657

Received: 16/05/2014

Respondent: Cogent Land LLP (Cogent)

Agent: Iceni Projects Ltd

The proposals seek to restrict the development of backland I infill development (Policy DM3). With this in mind, SBC need consider the need for the release of Green Belt sites in their Core Strategy review in due course. Given the population projections for the borough, more housing is needed than set out within SBC's planning policies and a full review of the Core Strategy in order to establish the exact quantum is required. A critical point is now being reached in Southend with the supply of brownfield sites at risk of drying up. Sites in the Green Belt but on the edge of the settlement in sustainable locations, such as Bournes Green, now need to be considered seriously for development.

Support

Representation ID: 1658

Received: 16/05/2014

Respondent: Cogent Land LLP (Cogent)

Agent: Iceni Projects Ltd

The new version of the proposed submission version contains references to "where viable and feasible" in the policies related to dwelling mixes and types (DM7). This addition is supported in principle as it is considered particularly important in the context of the NPPF.

Support

Representation ID: 1659

Received: 16/05/2014

Respondent: Cogent Land LLP (Cogent)

Agent: Iceni Projects Ltd

The findings of the SHMA are reflected in the housing mix policy (DM7), which requires a mix of housing types including family homes. Cogent land support this intention, particularly the requirement for 69% of the total number of market homes to be 3 or 4 beds. This is critical in ensuring that the housing needs of the area are met. The shortage of family homes in the borough has the potential to further intensify the housing problem facing SBC in the face of future population growth

Comment

Representation ID: 1660

Received: 16/05/2014

Respondent: Cogent Land LLP (Cogent)

Agent: Iceni Projects Ltd

In the 10 years from 2002 to 2012 over 70% of homes built were flats rather than houses and approximately 80% of all homes contained only 2 bedrooms or less. This may be attributable to the reluctance of SBC to release larger sites for housing development, particularly those on the edge of the urban areas or in the Green Belt. Furthermore, the economic development aspirations, particularly those uses to be located around the airport, result in their own demand for new housing. In particular, the new employees are likely to have a requirement for family homes also. The serious need for family homes needs to be addressed now, and the only way is through the release of larger sites for residential development.

Support

Representation ID: 1661

Received: 16/05/2014

Respondent: Cogent Land LLP (Cogent)

Agent: Iceni Projects Ltd

The new version of the proposed submission version contains references to "where viable and feasible" in the policies related to residential standards (DM8). This addition is supported in principle as it is considered particularly important in the context of the NPPF.

Support

Representation ID: 1662

Received: 16/05/2014

Respondent: Cogent Land LLP (Cogent)

Agent: Iceni Projects Ltd

The new version of the proposed submission version contains references to "where viable and feasible" in the policies related to Employment Areas (DM11). This addition is supported in principle as it is considered particularly important in the context of the NPPF.

Object

Representation ID: 1667

Received: 16/05/2014

Respondent: Cogent Land LLP (Cogent)

Agent: Iceni Projects Ltd

Legally compliant? Yes

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

In terms of transport, policies should specifically include provision for new highway infrastructure and its funding (through CIL, S106 or otherwise). Paragraph 7 of the NPPF sets out the different dimensions to sustainable development. The economic role specifically highlights the need to identify and coordinate development requirements, including the provision of infrastructure. Furthermore, paragraph 31 of the NPPF states Local Authorities should work with neighbouring authorities and transport providers to develop strategies for the provision of viable infrastructure necessary to support sustainable development. Without specific provision being made, it is considered by Cogent that the DMDPD fails to positively embrace the aims of paragraphs 7 and 31 of the NPPF and that changes need to be made to ensure that it can be found sound.