Main Modifications Consultation

SMV strongly support the changes proposed in this Main Modification which mostly reflect the changes agreed to Policy H1.1 in the SoCG (August 2025). This includes minor changes for clarification to references to affordable housing, housing mix, site access and boundary treatment, and the removal of reference to the Cordon Sanitaire (as also requested by the Inspector in the post-hearings letter (30 March 2026)). SMV has engaged positively with the Council and Anglian Water to establish that the extent of the necessary Cordon Sanitaire will not affect the proposed development on this site.

However, one minor discrepancy remains in the wording compared with the changes agreed in the SoCG:

Main Modification MM31 wording Agreed changes in SoCG (August 2025)
i) Ensure 2% of site capacity to be provided as serviced self-build/custom build plots This criterion is deleted to respond to earlier representations, preventing duplication of other policies in the Plan

Whilst this discrepancy is minor SMV would still request that the wording of Policy H1.1 is further amended to reflect the SoCG previously agreed by the Council. SMV remains of the opinion that a flexible policy approach is needed to take into account matters such as viability, construction and health and safety for example. SMV also note that individuals can register on multiple housing registers and therefore the register alone is not necessarily an accurate representation of self-build need.

SMV welcome the clarity offered by MM1 and MM2 to ensure consistency with the NPPF and acknowledge the need for early review of the Plan as required by the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.

SMV welcome the clarity offered by MM1 and MM2 to ensure consistency with the NPPF and acknowledge the need for early review of the Plan as required by the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.

SMV supports MM11, which will correctly ensure the provision of all forms of cycle parking, as required by Policy CC13, aligns with the Council’s parking standards at Appendix 5 of the Plan. This is consistent with SMV’s previous representations.

SMV supports MM12 which includes amendments to criterion b of Policy CC14: Flood Risk to read: “…through the application of the sequential and exception test, as well as the guidance set out in NPPF and PPG, development is located in areas of the lowest flood risk within the application site”, as per previous SMV representations.

SMV welcomes MM25 as it offers clarity and confidence that the Plan commits to delivering sufficient houses to meet the minimum requirements for Rutland provided by the Standard Method