Comment

Representation ID: 26821

Received: 31/07/2024

Respondent: Northern Parishes Group

Infilling, redevelopment and change of use page 185 para 5.116
51) Para 5.116 of the Draft Local Plan reads as follows.

52) The suggestion that there is a presumption that infilling, redevelopment and changes of use will be acceptable subject to other policies of the Local Plan, creates considerable problems and goes further than appropriate. It would be far better to have no presumptions and allow the specific facts of the individual application to be determined under normal principles.
53) Making change of use acceptable within a development boundary cuts across very strong public policy. This would mean anybody could turn anything into a group of flats. If there is only one pub in a large settlement, it should not be removed simply because the landlord could make more money by selling it to a developer. Also Rother District Council and the Inspectorate have been careful about preserving village hospitality and employment places. To discard that would be wrong.
54) A similar problem arises in relation to infilling being generally acceptable. Planning inspectors have pointed out that on occasions when there is a continuous line of housing, a gap creates a feeling of well-being.
55) The group points out paragraphs 5.114- 5.118 are in part in conflict with the overall policy and are in conflict with each other. This means they lack clarity and consistency. Many of the policies referred to are best dealt with in the lead policy for that area. The paragraphs generally weaken this Local Plan. The plan would be better if they're all removed.

56) The Core strategy instructs developers and plans to avoid ribbon development.

(ii)-(v) Not listed.

(vii)-(viii) Not listed.
57) The draft local plan has no similar instruction.
58) There is however instruction for infilling. At page 185 para 5.116 of the Draft Local Plan which says the follows.

59) There is a clear distinction between ribbon development and infilling. Around a village core infilling is not only acceptable, it is often desirable. On roads leaving out of the settlement, filling in the gaps between houses is ribbon development, because the development is outside the settlement. Ribbon development has traditionally been unacceptable, because it blights the countryside and stretches the provision of services, like sewage disposal and electricity supply.
60) The group suggests the proposed policy DEV 3 should be widened to include restrictions for ribbon development.