Village Clusters Housing Allocations Plan - Main Modifications document

Object

Representation ID: 4559

Received: 26/10/2026

Respondent: Silfield Ltd

As a neighbour to the site I am acutely aware that the current use is not sustainable and the site is in need of redevelopment with residential use the only viable option. I noted the Inspector’s report with comments which are understandable yet at odds with current policy; if a planning application for residential development of the site was submitted now it would be considered against policy S4 of the new NPPF which sets out that “development proposals within settlements should be approved unless the benefits of doing so would be substantially outweighed by any adverse effects, when assessed against the national decision-making policies in the Framework”. This site is clearly within the existing settlement of Barford under the new NPPF’s definition. The benefits of allowing development on this site would not be “substantially outweighed” by the limited harms that the Inspector has identified. The employment space is limited, ageing and not adequate by modern standards, with alternatives available close by in the Industrial Estate where there is currently empty space. I do not agree with the concerns about the rural character of Back Lane because any development of the site would not need vegetation to be removed.

We do need houses to be built in Barford and BAR1 provides a site in the right location to deliver the housing and associated benefits needed.

The new NPPF has been published since the Inspector’s formal conclusion letter was published in March 2026 and should be considered in finalising the plan.