Regulation 19 Rutland Local Plan

Support

Representation ID: 8188

Received: 29/11/2024

Respondent: Healthwatch Rutland

We note that, in addition to the many houses that have been built over recent years, Rutland needs to build 123 (+ 10% flexibility allowance) new homes each year of the planning period according to current national planning guidance in order to fulfil its new-build housing obligations. A substantial number of these houses will be built in and around the Empingham area. We, therefore, welcome the plan to construct a new surgery there and with facilities which have the potential to be used by all Rutland residents for procedures and consultations, including minor surgery. We would therefore urge that this building is sufficiently large to accommodate population growth in the future and easy, affordable and regular access to the surgery premises by disability-friendly, public transport for Rutland residents from all areas of the county.

Support

Representation ID: 8189

Received: 29/11/2024

Respondent: Healthwatch Rutland

We note that the Plan considers the needs of different age groups and, particularly, the forecast increase in an aged population. The older generations often do not downsize to smaller, suitable accommodation due to the costs and upheaval involved. A more ambitious plan would recognise this and plan to provide more support and/or incentive in this matter, thus freeing up larger properties for younger families hoping to upsize. In this respect, we would draw attention to the Government’s publication on 26/11/2024: ‘Our future homes: housing that promotes wellbeing and community for an ageing population’i for further detail and recommendations to be considered for inclusion in the Plan.

Object

Representation ID: 8190

Received: 29/11/2024

Respondent: Healthwatch Rutland

Legally compliant? Yes

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Yes

The requirement to meet the accessibility standards for M4(2) is laudable as an ambition but is not yet mandatory. It is further weakened by the statement ‘unless by exception only, where M4(2) is impractical or unachievable’, which would seem to present a potential loophole for developers. Achieving M4(2) standards would allow people with disabilities to remain in their own homes and live more independently for longer. We would like to see the requirement to meet M4(2) standards strengthened to remove the opportunity for evasion by property developers.
M4(3) stipulates that homes should be of wheelchair-accessible standard. The national average for wheelchair-dependent occupants is 3.4%. With the current high average age in Rutland and the projected increase in older people, we do not understand the target of 2% of dwellings meeting this standard and only on sites of more than 50 dwellings. This would seem to be overlooking the potential growth in the number of people who will need such accommodation in order to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

Support

Representation ID: 8191

Received: 29/11/2024

Respondent: Healthwatch Rutland

We commend the ambition to improve health and reduce air pollution by encouraging cycling and walking and greater bus use, outlined in greater detail in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan.

Many rural routes lack proper cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, making them hazardous due to speeding traffic. There is also a dependence on motorised transport which creates disparities in access to healthcare and exercise opportunities for village residents.

The proposed bus service improvements do not include Sunday operations, limiting access to urgent care for those without private transport. Public transport services must effectively connect villages to major cities for broader healthcare access.

Support

Representation ID: 8192

Received: 29/11/2024

Respondent: Healthwatch Rutland

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Integrated Care Board is responsible for commissioning primary care (i.e. General Practice, pharmacies, opticians, and NHS dentists) and oversees General Practice provision and estates. Local Authority Public Health oversee the Pharmacy Needs Assessment and so oversees the provision of pharmacies in Rutland. It is not clear what organisation, if any, oversees the estate and buildings associated with NHS dental practices or opticians who offer NHS eye care.
That said, from the Local Plan statement above, Rutland County Council seems to assume some responsibility or oversight of NHS dentistry infrastructure/estate. For several years, access to NHS dentistry in Rutland has been below the LLR and England average. We would welcome some mention of this within the Local Plan and clear leadership from the council in ensuring adequate provision of community facilities with multifunctional use to include the provision of better access for Rutland residents to NHS dentistry and other health related activities.