Response from Mr Eden Thomas Whittaker (Individual)
1. Mr Eden Thomas Whittaker (Individual) : 14 Dec 2017 16:50:00
Before completing this online representation please tick the box to show that you have read the guidance notes accompanying this consultation.
I have read the guidance notes
Policy Reference
Site Omission
If you have selected policy / site omission, please enter the site reference or location, or specify the policy area as appropriate.
Since promoting Site W128 for residential development in the AONB DPD Extra Sites consultation [Mar-May 2016], we have received interest from a housing developer specialising in private, affordable housing, who are interested in developing the site on Sand Lane for an affordable-led, local needs based housing scheme. They are a proven developer who will develop the site in line with what I and a number of residents, who signed petitions during consultation, believe to be in the communities best interest. I actually bought the field in order to stop the development of the land and spoiling the view from my house but after watching how developers squeeze so many building on to a plot and do not deliver community value I decided to put my land forward so I could steer the development in a more progressive direction than previous ones. I will actually have to sell the land to the developer at a reduced rate, based on the value of the land with such an allocation, but I want to know that I left this village in the best state I could for my children and grandchildren.
1.1 Do you consider the AONB DPD to be legally compliant?
Yes
1.3 Do you consider the AONB DPD to be sound?
No
1.4 If NO please indicate the ground(s) on which you consider the DPD to be unsound
The DPD is not justified
1.5 Please give details of why you consider the DPD is not legally compliant or is unsound or fails to comply with the Duty to Cooperate. Please be as precise as possible.
If you wish to support the legal compliance or soundness of the DPD or its compliance with the Duty to Cooperate, please also use this box to set out your comments.
This response is written primarilly by myself (the land owner), but I have sought advice from Affordable homes as they are far more knowledgeable on these issues.
We do not believe that due consideration has been given to the assessment of potential housing sites in Warton. The level of objections against the two proposed allocations - W88 & W130 - far outweigh the objections against W128. Issues raised against these two sites are not applicable to Site W128 and bringing forward this land for affordable housing would appear to have a less detrimental impact on the village, in terms of visual impact, traffic congestion, drainage and flooding.
1.6 Please set out what modification(s) you consider necessary to resolve your objection and make the DPD legally compliant or sound, having regard to the matter(s) you have identified above. (Please note that any non-compliance with the Duty to Cooperate is incapable of modification at examination). You will need to say why this modification will make the DPD legally compliant or sound. It will be helpful if you are able to put forward your suggested revised wording of any policy or text. Please be as precise as possible.
We resubmit Site W128 as a potential housing allocation in the AONB DPD, as there is a willing landowner and willing developer who can bring forward an affordable housing led scheme that will provide affordable housing for the people of Warton.
Despite the Council’s response that the proposed Site W128, is outside the centre of Warton and some distance from local services, we consider that the site should be reconsidered for affordable housing, for the following reasons:
•The site is immediately available for development and is supported by an affordable housing developer, who is able to fund and bring forward the land for development
•The site will provide affordable housing for local people in perpetuity - at least 75% affordable
•The site is a sustainable location, is self contained by natural boundaries, including a railway line and Sand Lane, which is screened by mature trees
•Site W128 only received a handful of objections, compared to the significant objections against both proposed allocations - W88 & W130. Both sites were questioned in terms of suitability for housing based on a number of reasons, including drainage & flood risk; traffic/access and impact on the surrounding landscape and housing
We therefore maintain our position that Site W128 be allocated for housing development.
We have also included a case study of an ongoing development pioneered by Affordable Homes.
Afordable Homes is currently progressing a planning application with Cheshire West & Cheshire planning authority which is due to be determined at the 9 January 2018 planning committee, with a recommendation for approval.
During the last 12 months, Afordable Homes has been working closely with Planning Officers and Housing Officers at Cheshire West & Chester to agree an affordable housing scheme that will be supported by the Council.
Afordable Homes Proposal - Cheshire West & Chester
The site comprises circa 1.2 acres of greenbelt land and is designated a Rural Exception Site, which allows for 100% affordable housing provided that the homes are affordable in perpetuity and are for people with a local connection to the village. A small element of open market housing is considered to be acceptable where it is demonstrated that it is commercially necessary on viability grounds, in order to deliver the affordable housing provision.
The scheme comprises 15 properties, 11 of which are affordable (75%), and 4 being open market homes (25%). The affordable homes will be 100% ownership private for sale; affordable in perpetuity; and purchasers will be required to live, work or have a family connection in the village. The homes have been priced at an affordable level enabling younger people on an an average working salary to buy an affordable home.
•An independent Housing Needs Survey was commissioned by Afordable Homes in order to prove that there is local need for affordable housing
•A presentation was made to the Parish Council to explain the proposals
•Local residents were invited to a public consultation event to view the proposals and ask the developer & planning consultant questions about the proposed development
•Many local people were in support of the proposals and local residents were given the opportunity to register their interest in buying an affordable home
•There were Expressions of Interest in all of the affordable homes, with more people registering interest than homes available
•12 comments of support were received during the consultation period, with only two objections
The proposals have attracted a lot of support as there are many young people in the village who cannot afford to buy a home on the open market, and there is a shortage of affordable housing in the village
2.1 If your representation is seeking a modification, do you wish to participate at the oral part of the Examination?
Yes, I wish to participate at the oral examination
2.2 If you wish to participate at the oral part of the Examination, please outline why you consider this to be necessary.
I feel that if I am going to state that I am doing this for the benefit of the community it is only beholden on me to come and say why I am doing it in an official capacity.
Please tick the box if you wish to be notified when the document is submitted, recommendations published and adopted.
Please notify me
