South Norfolk Village Clusters Housing Allocations Plan (Reg. 18 Draft)

Comment

Representation ID: 1723

Received: 02/08/2021

Respondent: Hopkins Homes

Formal Representations to Question 112 (Scole) and Site SN4023 of the current Regulation 18 Consultation. We are aware that the proposed site allocations for Scole are suggested to be deferred to the emerging Diss & District Neighbourhood Plan, and whilst we are in dialogue with both Scole Parish Council and the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group regarding potential development options, we consider that the Plan’s current strategy is unsound, on the basis that it does not contribute towards the achievement of sustainable development, nor is it positively prepared in a way which is aspirational but deliverable.
In respect of Scole, whilst we are clearly supportive of further growth, we object to the very limited level currently being proposed, hence are unclear as to why only 25 dwellings are being proposed for allocation ? Scole has been previously classified as a ‘Service Village’ but it more readily functions as a ‘Key Service Centre’ village, whereby day to day services and facilities are close at hand. Development here would be in tune with the Core Planning Principles of the NPPF.

In conclusion, Hopkins Homes Ltd therefore requests that the site is proposed as a residential allocation within the emerging South Norfolk Village Clusters Housing Allocations Document, with the settlement limit for the village extended to encompass the totality of this site.

Comment

Representation ID: 1793

Received: 02/08/2021

Respondent: Hopkins Homes

Part of the site has subsequently been identified in the Emerging Plan as a preferred allocation, for 35 dwellings (Ref: SN2038).
Whilst we support the proposed allocation and welcome the fact the Council has recognised that this site is suitable for development, we nevertheless object to the limited level of growth in Mulbarton, given that this is a sustainable location where additional development should be located. 7. The extent of the site area proposed for up to 200 dwellings.

Mulbarton is wholly sustainable as a location for new development. It has a population in excess of 3,500 residents and approaching 1,500 dwellings. The village is well served by local education, sports and community facilities with good transport links to the nearby city of Norwich, approximately 7 miles to the north-east.
There are no drainage or physical infrastructure issues which cannot be overcome by standard engineering solutions, thus the site is demonstrably deliverable in a sustainable and technically appropriate manner.
In conclusion, Hopkins Homes Ltd therefore requests that the level of growth in Mulbarton is increased to at least 200 and in turn, the residential allocation boundary is amended to accord with the site plan below, with the settlement limit for the village extended to likewise encompass the totality of this site.

Comment

Representation ID: 1794

Received: 02/08/2021

Respondent: Hopkins Homes

Hopkins Homes continues to submit that Mulbarton is suitable location to accommodate up to 325 dwellings, however, in order to present various options to the Council, these representations are also supported by a Concept Masterplan which identifies an alternative site area that could accommodate up to 200 dwellings, together with up to 2.35Ha of associated public open space.
8. Mulbarton is wholly sustainable as a location for new development. It has a population in excess of 3,500 residents and approaching 1,500 dwellings. The village is well served by local education, sports and community facilities with good transport links to the nearby city of Norwich, approximately 7 miles to the north-east. The current local plan, together with the adopted Mulbarton Neighbourhood Plan, would see only 20 or so further homes added to the housing stock over a 15-year period, a paltry figure which must be regarded as disproportionately low in the context of the growth aspirations of South Norfolk and the wider Greater Norwich area.
In conclusion, Hopkins Homes Ltd therefore requests that the level of growth in Mulbarton is increased to at least 200 and in turn, the residential allocation boundary is amended to accord with the site plan below, with the settlement limit for the village extended to likewise encompass the totality of this site.