Village Clusters Housing Allocations Plan - Alternative Sites & Focused Changes (Reg. 18)

This submission is made by Landmark Associates on behalf of Todhunter Ltd. The company is the owner of the land at Gillingham, which is subject to the South Norfolk Council ‘consultation on alternative sites and focused changes’, concerning the emerging Village Clusters Housing Allocations Plan (Regulation 18).
The reason for the changes and the Regulation 18 consultation are set out in the contextual material. It is noted that the Council is seeking to ensure that the boundaries of the land for the local plan allocation coincide with the boundaries of the land submitted as part of the planning application.
In response to question 10a, Todhunter Ltd fully supports the variation of the allocation boundaries to reflect the boundaries of the planning application. The company has a proven ‘track record’ and actively seeks the development of land allocated for housing as demonstrated by the residences constructed on the land originally allocated in the Local Plan. It is submitted that the additional five dwellings will make a positive contribution to the housing needs of the Local Plan as established by the appropriate policies and the needs of the local community. The additional dwellings will not have a demonstrable adverse planning impact on the environment. In addition, the allocation will offer an opportunity for the school to expand. The expansion of the commercial area to the North will provide facilities and employment opportunities to some of the residents of the dwellings.
The Council’s attention is raised to the fact that in connection with the land to the north of The Street, submissions have been made at the Regulation 18 and Regulation 19 stages that this should be allocated for residential development as part of the Local Plan.it is argued that this is even more critical given the adverse impact on residential development caused by the moratorium resulting from the declaration by Natural England on nutrient neutrality.

The agents acting on behalf of Todhunter Ltd are working with the Council’s planning department and other agencies to ensure that all aspects of the total site (including the extra five dwellings) are in accordance with planning policy and good planning practice. It is envisaged that the Council will attach appropriately worded conditions setting out any additional requirements, which will need to be approved by the Council at the detailed application stage.