RT4 clause 1

3.1. On behalf of Mr and Mrs Welton we wish to make the following observations on the Harborough Local Plan Proposed Submission Draft Consultation.

3.2. We support the proposed spatial strategy for growth set out in Policy SS1: Spatial Strategy. The NPPF and the Draft Local Plan are underpinned by a 'presumption in favour of sustainable development'. It is therefore considered rational to direct development towards locations that are within close proximity of a wide range of employment opportunities and local services and facilities. As outlined above, we consider Market Harborough to be a sustainable location with a large number of key services and facilities and as such we support its identification as the Sub-Regional Centre, which is expected to be a focus for development.

3.3. In respect of Policy GD1: Achieving Sustainable Development, we strongly support the inclusion of this Policy in the Harborough Local Plan in line with Paragraph 14 of the NPPF. We are encouraged by the Council's desire to positively consider proposals that contribute to the sustainable development of the District. We consider that the proposed development at Land off Harborough Road, Market Harborough should be viewed favourably in respect of the economic, social and environmental strands that comprise sustainable development.

3.4. We support the proposed strategy for locating growth within or continuous to the built-up area of settlements as identified in Policy GD2: Settlement Development. We consider that the proposed development of Land off Harborough Road, Market Harborough reflects the size of the town and level of service provision available. It is considered that the site is visually well connected to the town; the site is bound to the east by existing residential properties and is located less than 185 metres from a large-scale committed development to the north-east. The proposed development would enhance the local character and would include the retention of the site's natural boundary features.

3.5. With regards to Policy GD5: Landscape and Townscape Character we fully support the requirement for new development to be sensitive to the landscape setting and the settlement's distinctiveness. The proposed development at Land off Harborough Road has been positively prepared with the provision of a high quality and inclusive design at the core of the development objectives. As outlined previously, the materials selected for the scheme are considered to be well related to the site's rural location and will complement the natural features of the site to create a unique, high quality development.

3.6. We fully support the objectives of Policy GD8: Good Design in Development, good planning and good design are inseparable and we are pleased that this has been identified by this policy. As stated above, the proposed development at Land off Harborough Road has been positively prepared with the desire to provide a unique, high quality and innovative scheme at the core of the development's objectives. The proposals have given significant consideration to utilising materials that reflect the rural character of the site and complement the site's natural boundaries and features. The siting of the proposed development will ensure that the proposals have a limited impact on the existing residential properties to the east of the site, or the occupied businesses on the northern part of the site. It is considered that the proposed design scheme appropriately delivers a high quality, low energy residential development that will enhance the local character and distinctiveness.

3.7. In respect of Policy H1: Provision of New Housing, we fully support the recognition that the housing requirements outlined in this policy are a minimum and the level of flexibility that this element of the policy provides. We support the identification of Market Harborough as an appropriate location for the delivery of a minimum of 1,140 new dwellings. As previously outlined, we consider that the proposed development of Land off Harborough Road for 15 new 2-bedroom low energy apartments is an appropriate scale for the town, and will deliver a scheme that makes a positive contribution to the character and distinctiveness of Market Harborough.

3.8. With regards to Policy H2: Affordable Housing, we support the requirement for residential developments of more than 10 dwellings to provide 40% of affordable housing on site. In relation to the proposed development of 15no. 2-bedroom low-energy apartments at Land off Harborough Road, the clients are will to meet this requirement subject to the appropriate viability assessments.

3.9. We fully support the requirement of Policy H5: Housing Density, Mix and Standards for new development schemes to deliver housing at an appropriate density and include a range of dwelling types and sizes. The proposed development at Land off Harborough Road has been designed to provide new dwellings at a density that is considered to respect the rural nature of the site's location on the western edge of Market Harborough. The scheme will provide a mix of 2 bedroom apartments ranging from approximately 1,000 sq. ft. to 1,200 sq. ft.

3.10. In relation to Policy RT4: Tourism and Leisure we support the identification of Market Harborough as a focal point for tourism development. The proposed development at Land off Harborough Road, Market Harborough will likely serve to enhance the attractiveness of the District for visitors due to the unique nature of the proposed low-energy development. As outlined above, the client's intend to make arrangements with Harborough District Council for the organisation of a series of open days during the construction period to allow people to visit the site and learn more about the materials and techniques being used in the development, and how they can be utilised elsewhere.

3.11. We fully support the objectives of Policy CC1: Mitigating Climate Change in line with Paragraphs 93 and 94 of the Framework. The proposed development at Land off Harborough Road will serve to demonstrate how residential developments can be delivered in a low energy manner. The central aim of the development is to deliver homes that require no additional power or heat; in order to achieve this the development includes the following design features:
-Passive House design techniques
-Highly insulated and well-sealed, high density fabric - provides high thermal mass and limited heat loss
-Limited windows to southern facing elevations
-Stepped 3-storey units to shade southern and western elevations from low angle sunlight
-Orientation of roofs within 20 degrees of due south to optimise rooftop photovoltaic panels to provide electricity.
-Localised high capacity batteries to provide continuous power
-High efficiency exhaust air heat exchanges within each dwelling - provides heating and hot water from the warm air extracted by kitchens and bathrooms.
-Any surplus energy generated by the development will be supplied to the National -Grid or used to charge electric vehicles.

3.12. Finally, in respect of Policy CC3: Managing Flood Risk, we fully support the objectives of this Policy in line with Paragraphs 14 and 100 of the NPPF. Given that the presumption in favour of sustainable development is the golden thread running through national and local planning policy, it is logical that this translates into development being located in areas that are not at high risk of flooding, and that schemes do not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere. With reference to the Environment Agency Flood Map for Planning, the proposed development site is predominately located within Flood Zone 1. The area to the south of the siting for the proposed apartment unit is located within Flood Zone 3; this area will be left undeveloped. Initial investigations have been undertaken by the client to ensure that the proposed development would not be at risk of flooding; as such it is proposed that the internal finish flood level will be 83.6 metres..
We consider the proposed development site at Land off Harborough Road, Market Harborough has the capacity to accommodate a low energy residential development comprising up to 15no. 2 bedroom apartments. The scheme has been designed using Passive House techniques to deliver homes which can be operated without any power or heating bills.

4.2. We fully support many of the objectives and policies contained within the Proposed Submission Draft of the Harborough Local Plan 2011-2031. In particular, we support the identification of Market Harborough as the Sub-Regional Centre which is to be a focus for new development, including a minimum of 1,140 new dwellings to assist in meeting the District's housing needs.

4.3. The proposed development at Land off Harborough Road will serve to enhance the attractiveness of the District to visitors due to its unique character and function as a low-energy development. The client's intend to make arrangements with Harborough District Council to utilise this opportunity, by organising a series of open days during the construction period to enable people visit the site and learn more about the materials and techniques that are being used in the development and how they could be utilised in other schemes.

4.4. Therefore, the site represents an opportunity to deliver a scheme that will enhance the District's attractiveness and identity whilst providing a suitable, available, achievable and viable source of housing land that can be developed now.

4.5. Andrew Granger & Co. would like to remain involved throughout the preparation of the Harborough Local Plan 2011-2031 and therefore request to be informed of any future consultation opportunities and when the document is submitted for Examination.