Object
South Norfolk Village Clusters Housing Allocations Plan (Reg. 19 Pre-submission Draft)
Representation ID: 2540
Received: 28/02/2023
Respondent: Silfield Ltd
Legally compliant? No
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Yes
Whilst I can understand the landscape improvement value to Barford of removing the commercial site, the change of use to housing removes premises for two businesses and employment, without an alternative site allocated in the village. The site is also compromised by the access next to the B1108 junction which is now unsuitable for residential use given the volume of traffic. The development ignores the significant amenity space, improved access for Back Lane and landscaping available from other proposed sites. 20 houses will be on a busy B road with poor access and limited amenity space.
The plan should take into account wider benefits to housing development such as provision of green space and improved access where available. These should be considered alongside environmental benefits and and benefits to the wider community. This allocation simply fits 20 houses onto a commercial site, it offers no benefits beyond the housing itself. Landscape improvements are there but limited given the size of the plot and the need for housing, amenity provision and environmental benefit are negligible. I would propose that the commercial site is retained for employment allowing the vacant land south and north of a remodeled Back Lane to provide the housing and green space. This would deliver significantly enhanced amenity land and a safer, improved access for Back Lane onto the B1108 for use by the development and other traffic. The plan must take account of the amenity and environmental benefits available on other available sites.