Regulation 18 draft Local Plan

Object

Representation ID: 7007

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Exeter Court 1 Limited

Agent: Freeths LLP

There are a significant number of villages within the ‘larger’ category that are not sustainable for future growth. There is a significant disparity between the size of the larger villages with Cottesmore having a population of 3,100 (and the next five villages all in excess of 1000) and Lyddington, Manton, Belton, Morcott and Wing, all under 400 dwellings. The inclusion of an expanded larger village tier within the hierarchy will lead to unsustainable developments where housing will come forward in settlements that are unable to support their needs.
On this basis, the approach to the classification of settlements within the hierarchy is unjustified and will lead to unsustainable development.
Our client therefore objects to Policy SS1. The settlement hierarchy should be reviewed, along with the locations where new residential development is to be allocated. It is imperative that the Local Plan seeks to promote sustainable development in appropriate locations, and it is therefore recommended that additional development is allocated in the highly sustainable market town of Oakham.

Comments noted. The proposed approach to the settlement hierarchy is considered to be appropriate for Rutland. Proposed housing allocations have been selected to provide a range of site sizes and locations to ensure that there is a choice to the market whilst allowing for an appropriate scale development in both the towns and the villages.

Object

Representation ID: 7763

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Exeter Court 1 Limited

Agent: Freeths LLP

This representation promotes Land off Braunston Road, Oakham for the residential development of up to 10no. dwellings as a sustainable development to the edge of a market town at the top tier of the settlement hierarchy.
A number of the Larger Villages are unsustainable locations for additional development. On this basis, our client objects to the allocation of sites in the unsustainable Larger Villages
It is imperative that a variety of size and types of sites are allocated for housing across Oakham and the County in order to provide choice to the market and headroom for delivery.
It is therefore considered that additional smaller sites should be allocated in Oakham in order to ensure delivery in the earlier stages of the plan period, and also direct development to the most sustainable location.
The site is considered to be suitable, available and achievable.

All site appraisals have been reviewed in the light of comments and further evidence received to determine their suitability for allocation.

Object

Representation ID: 7765

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Exeter Court 1 Limited

Agent: Freeths LLP

We request additional flexibility in the policy which notes that suitable edge of settlement sites may also be appropriate for such development, particularly on sites purely for self and custom build housing (as opposed to individual plots within larger housing schemes).

Policy H6 strikes an appropriate balance between requiring SCB (see Policy H2(b)(iii)) and facilitating it. The supporting text to Policy H6 states: "It is important that the policy approach is flexible and accounts for challenges associated with self-build and custom housebuilding... The Council could allocate sites specifically for Self and Custom Build homes. This is not considered appropriate or necessary at this time." The Council does not propose to allow self-build in the open countryside, unless this is permitted under the Council's Spatial Strategy or if it meets the criteria in Policies H8 or H9.