GNLP 2045 Regulation 20 Scoping Consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 26120

Received: 10/09/2026

Respondent: Hainford Parish Council

The delivery of homes in villages/village clusters has already far exceeded the target of 9% for the whole plan up to 2038 by virtually double at 17% delivery so far.
It is therefore vital that rural villages are not developed or exploited further unnecessarily, so that their valuable and unique rural character and landscape are protected for the future benefit of residents and visitors alike.

Comment

Representation ID: 26121

Received: 10/09/2026

Respondent: Hainford Parish Council

Regarding the use of the Dept Of Transports ‘Connectivity Tool’ this method of analysis only measures ‘theoretical opportunity’ not actual experience and does not take into account specific limitations such as significant gaps in rural transport services and personal safety issues and should not be relied upon to determine whether a settlement could sustain increased levels of development without first completing full research and consultation with those villages affected to determine the actual facts and experience and actual up to date information with regard to existing services and facilities. A ‘bus service ‘may in fact be very limited.

Comment

Representation ID: 26122

Received: 10/09/2026

Respondent: Hainford Parish Council

Small rural villages/village clusters should remain in the lower tiers in the hierarchy because many have very limited facilities and insufficient infrastructure to support sustainable development with limited employment opportunities, being mainly agricultural and associated businesses, poor public transport links with an inevitable reliance upon private vehicles to access services, few footpaths, struggling sewage systems etc.
It is also vital to protect the valuable and unique rural character and landscape for everyone to enjoy the benefits of and for future generations by limiting development to ‘very minor or infill .

Comment

Representation ID: 26123

Received: 10/09/2026

Respondent: Hainford Parish Council

Protecting rural villages from unsustainable and inappropriate development preserves local heritage and identity, maintains the unique beauty of the countryside, provides a valuable habitat for wildlife and flora, supports local economies like farming and rural tourism providing opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy quiet spaces and the benefit of healthy activities, exploring the countryside, pathways, woodland and waterways.
We trust that the GNLP will adhere to the current policy of limiting development in rural villages to ‘very minor development or infill’ to protect these small rural settlements.

Comment

Representation ID: 26124

Received: 10/09/2026

Respondent: Hainford Parish Council

No. There is adequate provision already in place. Effectively removing existing settlement boundaries and permitting additional development beyond existing settlement limits would inevitably result in unacceptable encroachment into the countryside, the loss of valuable agricultural land, destruction of the rural landscape, natural habitat and the blurring of defined settlements and loss of individual rural village community identity and character, cause severe strain on limited infrastructure and facilities and trigger a presumption against the protection of open space creating a “free for all” for landowners and developers alike.