Object

Harborough Local Plan 2011-2031, Proposed Submission

Representation ID: 7123

Received: 17/11/2017

Respondent: Bloor Home Ltd

Agent: Define

Legally compliant? Yes

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Yes

Representation Summary:

Soundness:
Bloor Homes object to Policy GI2, which is considered unsound on the basis that it:
- is not justified in that it is not the most appropriate strategy and has not properly considered reasonable alternative strategies; and
- is inconsistent with national policy in that it does not fully reflect the Government's priorities and policies in terms of the provision of public open space and facilitating the delivery of sustainable development.

Full text:

The provision of an appropriate quantum and type of open space in association with development is fully supported by Bloor Homes.
The policy should, however, incorporate sufficient flexibility in its requirements to maximise the opportunity for on-site provision to reflect the site specific circumstances and context. It is not, therefore, necessarily helpful to seek to apply blanket requirements for a variety of very specific types of open space that have particular location and design requirements to each and every site. Instead guidance is required that encourages proposals to respond to both the strategic context and existing (or proposed) provision, and the specific nature of the site. The provision of multi-functional spaces that respond to a variety of needs should also be encouraged to maximise the benefits of open space provision in association with development.
The specific requirements set out in Table B.30 also require further clarification. In particular, it is unclear how rural and urban areas are defined in respect of determining the quantum of natural and semi-natural green spaces.

Soundness:
Bloor Homes object to Policy GI2, which is considered unsound on the basis that it:
- is not justified in that it is not the most appropriate strategy and has not properly considered reasonable alternative strategies; and
- is inconsistent with national policy in that it does not fully reflect the Government's priorities and policies in terms of the provision of public open space and facilitating the delivery of sustainable development.

Proposed Changes:
To remedy the flaws in the soundness of the plan the policy should be reworded to provide additional flexibility in the provision of public open spaces on development sites that reflect the required standards taking account of the existing (or proposed) provision in the area and the specific characteristics of the development site and encourage the delivery of multi-functional public open space in the context of the aspirations of Policy GI1 in relation to Green Infrastructure.