Regulation 18 Draft Local Plan

Support

Representation ID: 2411

Received: 25/04/2024

Respondent: Vistry Group

Agent: Boyer Planning

The policy seeks to facilitate the conservation, enhancement and promotion of the District’s biodiversity and geological interest of the natural environment, including enhancing ecological networks and seeking to deliver net gain on all proposals. It distinguishes between the hierarchy of internationally, nationally and locally designated sites in accordance with the requirements of national planning policy. The policy is supported.

Object

Representation ID: 2412

Received: 25/04/2024

Respondent: Vistry Group

Agent: Boyer Planning

We are concerned that the policy simply repeats national policy and therefore is potentially not required.

The new policy refers to future development proposals being in line with documents that are prepared outside of the Local Plan process which is a concern and needs to be addressed more accurately within the Regulation 19 document. We are also concerned that the Local Nature Recovery Strategy is embedded into the policy wording even though this is not yet completed and question whether this would be an effective policy when considered against the test of soundness in the NPPF.

It is positive to see that the Council seek on-site biodiversity net gain where possible, and that the policy has flexibility to allow for off-site measures to be considered in specific circumstances.

The supporting text of the policy should be amended to provide greater clarity and certainty as to the local authority expectations of the ongoing management of the site and BNG.

We are concerned that the costs used in Table 8.3 of the January 2024 Viability Assessment by HDH Planning and Development Ltd are from 2017 which is now becoming dated. These should be refreshed ahead of the Regulation 19 document.

Support

Representation ID: 2413

Received: 25/04/2024

Respondent: Vistry Group

Agent: Boyer Planning

The draft policy and the strategy for green infrastructure is supported. It is important that the green networks are retained, and it is considered they should be enhanced wherever possible, with development proposals ensuring that existing and new green infrastructure takes opportunities to enrich biodiversity and habitats, enable greater connectivity and provide sustainable access for all.

The land West of Grantham will assist in meeting this policy by improving provision across the site and connecting with the existing green infrastructure network.

Support

Representation ID: 2414

Received: 25/04/2024

Respondent: Vistry Group

Agent: Boyer Planning

The draft policy is considered to be in line with the requirements set out within the NPPF, and is set out in relation to each type of heritage asset, this is considered appropriate, and the policy is therefore supported.

Support

Representation ID: 2415

Received: 25/04/2024

Respondent: Vistry Group

Agent: Boyer Planning

We recognise the importance of a policy ensuring good quality design is achieved by proposed developments. Having a policy that sets design requirements will enable developers to fully understand what is needed to achieve a well-designed settlement for South Kesteven.

Object

Representation ID: 2416

Received: 25/04/2024

Respondent: Vistry Group

Agent: Boyer Planning

We are concerned that policy SB1 as currently written will not be effective over the plan period and greater focus should be given to development proposals needing to meet the mandatory building regulations and where possible exceeding these standards.

As the Council is aware, the building regulations are constantly being updated and revised to reflect more standards and legislation covering all aspects such as energy consumption, water use and requirements such as EV charging. Therefore policy SB1 is at risk of becoming redundant in the short term as building regulations will require greater standards than those outlined in the emerging policy.

Whilst Vistry is supportive of the principle of a policy which seeks to reduce carbon, there are
some practical considerations, as noted above, which should be taken into account as part
of future draft policy SB1.

Support

Representation ID: 2417

Received: 25/04/2024

Respondent: Vistry Group

Agent: Boyer Planning

We welcome the Councils view that accessible, good quality open spaces can make a significant quality of life contribution to the residents of South Kesteven, along with providing wider benefits including supporting biodiversity, and providing green infrastructure links in accordance with the NPPF.

The draft policy is supported. It is in accordance with National planning policy and guidance and being evidence based is welcomed as this allows flexibility for each site to provide an appropriate approach.

The recent review of the open space provision in the District is welcomed.

The proposed site to the West of Grantham has the capacity to deliver significant open space which would include parks, play areas, informal open space, and green links. This will allow for exercise and recreation within the site and would assist with increasing and enhancing the provision for the wider District.

Support

Representation ID: 2418

Received: 25/04/2024

Respondent: Vistry Group

Agent: Boyer Planning

It is noted that unemployment in the town is at 4.2% higher than the District average of 2.9%, and therefore the opportunities to enhance employment provision within Grantham is supported, especially those proposals at Gonerby Moor to the west of the A1, as set out in the section reviewing Chapter 9 above.

Object

Representation ID: 2419

Received: 25/04/2024

Respondent: Vistry Group

Agent: Boyer Planning

It is important that Policy GR2 recognises other locations within the Grantham Transport Strategy Area that would be appropriate for transport improvements as well as the Grantham Southern Relief Road. Funding sources were not identified as this will be decided by the Grantham Transport Strategy Board, however, development in this location could contribute towards the Transport Strategy through financial/non-financial contributions.

The Council is also looking to provide a green corridor along the A52 from Barrowby Road to Somerby Hill. The site at Land West of Grantham could seek to continue the green corridor west along the A52 and also contribute towards the current green corridor proposals in this location.

Object

Representation ID: 2420

Received: 25/04/2024

Respondent: Vistry Group

Agent: Boyer Planning

Allocations are reliant on the Grantham Southern Relief Road (GSRR), such as the Spitalgate Heath allocation (GR3-H1) and Prince William of Gloucester Barracks allocation (GR3-H4) have been continuously pushed back. It is noted that the anticipated delivery of these sites up until 2041 has been amended however, with little certainty of when the GSRR will be completed, this needs to be taken into consideration.

It is considered that the Land West of Grantham can assist in meeting the identified housing need for the Grantham Area.