Support
South Norfolk Village Clusters Housing Allocations Plan (Reg. 19 Pre-submission Draft)
Representation ID: 2599
Received: 01/03/2023
Respondent: KCS Development Ltd
Agent: Barton Willmore
Part of our client’s land off Bunwell Road has been proposed as a draft housing allocation for 15 dwellings (Policy VC SPO1: Land west of Bunwell Road). KCS fully supports the allocation of this site for housing; however it is considered the site could readily accommodate up to 45 homes to meet local needs and the council’s own evidence demonstrates a larger allocation is appropriate. Indeed, a larger allocation can deliver a wider range of benefits to the village such as the provision of more extensive open space, a larger quantum of affordable housing, greater highway improvements (such as footpath links), improvement to the existing watercourse, etc. Such benefits may not be realised from a smaller allocation and, indeed, the council will be aware that smaller planning permissions in the village have not unlocked any particular additional benefits locally. Conversely, a larger development on this site can provide measurable benefits for the community.
Despite the evident settlement sustainability and a need for new housing, the draft plan allocates the site for only 15 dwellings due to perceived townscape (clustering) and flood risk concerns. These representations demonstrate a larger development of 45 units can be delivered without compromising the existing flood zones or townscape.