Support
Draft Greater Norwich Local Plan – Part 1 The Strategy
Representation ID: 23130
Received: 16/03/2020
Respondent: Hopkins Homes
Agent: Bidwells
The requirement that sites should only be allocated for housing where, having regard to policy requirements, there is a reasonable prospect that housing can be delivered, fully accords with paragraph 67 of the NPPF.
Whilst the submission of Delivery Plans as part of a planning application is supported the documents
need to recognise that there may be unforeseen material changes in circumstances, which could impact
the delivery of an allocation.
The identified buffer in relation to housing numbers will help maintain the supply and delivery of housing,
in accordance with the NPPF and specifically the Government’s objective of encouraging authorities to consider more growth than required to meet local housing need, particularly in locations where there is
potential for significant economic growth, such as the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor.
However, to guard against non-delivery, particularly in relation to the potential failure of larger strategic
sites in the Norwich urban area to come forward, a minimum buffer of 10% should be identified. Indeed,
the draft GNLP states on page 45 that the Regulation 19 version of the Plan will aim to provide a minimum
buffer of 10% (at least 250 further homes).
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.