H1 clause 6g - Great Easton

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

4.2. 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 to a wide range of employment opportunities and local services and facilities. As outlined above, we consider Great Easton to be a sustainable location with a wide range of services and facilities, and as such we support its identification as a Selected Rural Village, which is expected to support residential development of an appropriate scale.

4.3. In respect of Policy GD1: Achieving Sustainable Development, we strongly support the inclusion of this Policy within 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.

4.4. We support the proposed strategy for locating growth within or contiguous to the built up area of Selected Rural Villages, such as Great Easton, as outlined in Policy GD2: Settlement Development. We consider that the proposed development at Land rear of 22 Broadgate is of an appropriate scale that reflects the size of the village and the level of service provision. The site is visually and physically well connected to the village and services within the village centre are within an appropriate walking distance. It is considered that a development of up to 8 units would be of an appropriate scale for the village and can be designed in a manner that respects and enhances the local character and distinctiveness. A development scheme could be designed to provide views through the site, from Broadgate, to the open countryside to the north.

4.5. 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 site to the rear of 22 Broadgate, Great Easton is bound to the east and west by existing and proposed residential development, and as such development of the site would be viewed as a continuation of development within the village envelope. Any development scheme would be positively prepared to ensure that the site provides a high quality and inclusive development design that makes a positive contribution to the local character and distinctiveness of Great Easton.

4.6. 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, any development proposal at Land rear of 22 Broadgate, Great Easton would be positively prepared to ensure a high quality and inclusive design. Any design scheme would maintain and enhance the existing boundary features to ensure that the views and residential amenity currently experienced to the south, east and west of the site are retained. The site would also seek to include an area of Public Open Space which could be positioned to enable key views of the open countryside, seen through the site from Broadgate, to be preserved.

4.7. 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 Great Easton as an appropriate location for the delivery of a minimum of 30 dwellings. As previously outlined, we consider that the proposed development of Land rear of 22 Broadgate for up to 8 dwellings would be an appropriate scale of development for the village, and would deliver a scheme that could make a positive contribution to the character and distinctiveness of Great Easton.

4.8. We fully support the requirement of Policy H5: Housing Density, Mix and Standards for new development schemes to deliver a range of housing types and sizes. Any development of Land rear of 22 Broadgate could deliver a mix of property types including semi-detached and detached houses ranging in size from 3 to 4 bedrooms.

4.9. With regards to Policy HC1: Built Heritage, we support the requirement to protect, conserve and enhance local heritage assets in line with Paragraph 134 of the NPPF. The previously submitted application was supported by a Heritage Statement which found that the proposed development would result in a low adverse impact on 22 Broadgate and would not amount to substantial harm to the significance of the asset. The Statement also found that the proposals would have a negligible impact on the setting of 22 Broadgate. Members concerns with the previous application related to the heritage impact of the proposed access; as such the clients are currently pursuing the potential of securing an alternative access point for the site, which would overcome these concerns. There were no concerns about the principle of development on the site from a heritage perspective.

4.10. 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 the 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 not located in an area at risk of flooding. We consider the proposed development site at Land rear of 22 Broadgate, Great Easton has the capacity to accommodate a small scale residential development scheme comprising up to 8 dwellings with associated vehicular access, car parking, landscaping and drainage. Any development scheme would provide a mix of dwelling types and sizes.

5.2. 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 Great Easton as a Selected Rural Village, which is to accommodate a minimum of 30 new dwellings to assist in meeting the District's housing needs.

5.3. Any development proposal for Land rear of 22 Broadgate would be positively prepared to ensure high quality and inclusive design. The scheme would maintain and enhance the existing boundary features to ensure that the views and residential amenity currently experienced to the south, east and west of the site are retained. The site would also seek to include an area of Public Open Space, positioned to enable key views of the open countryside to be preserved.

5.4. Therefore, the site represents an opportunity to deliver a suitable, available, achievable and viable source of housing land that can be developed now.

5.5. 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.