Response from Mr Alan Davies (Individual)
1. Mr Alan Davies (Individual) : 4 Aug 2013 13:26:00
Please add your response below, quoting the further proposed main modification reference number or relevant document title including reference to section / page / paragraph: (limit 3000 words)
I refer to site RN 213 (Land opposite the Wheatsheaf, Brigsteer), which is dealt with as MM050 in the previous issue of the Main Modifications.
The latest issue of the DPD leaves its comments unchanged as follows:
3.150 As noted above, no development land allocations are proposed in small
villages and hamlets and or in the open countryside. Key existing
employment sites are safeguarded as are a number of recreational open
spaces, amenity greenspaces and outdoor sports facilities.
Brigsteer
3.151 An exceptional allocation is made at land opposite the Wheatsheaf in
Brigsteer where the local Community Land Trust is bringing forward proposals to develop the site for 7 dwellings. Although this proposal was developed ahead of neighbourhood
planning powers, it is considered that the degree of community involvement
and support for it and the intention to seek a high proportion of
affordable dwellings, justify its inclusion as a land allocation. Key issues
include mitigating impacts on biodiversity – the site includes areas of seminatural woodland,– and the achievement of suitable highway design
arrangements.
As pointed out in my previous submission (and those of a number of other respondents), the claimed "degree of community involvement and support" is based on a willful misinterpretation of the survey results, as evidenced by the outcome of the Parish Council election last year. To ignore this, as the revised DPD seems to have done, seems perverse to say the least. This is a pristine greenfield site, and there are other brownfield sites within the parish which could be developed more appropriately for affordable housing if necessary.
