Core Strategy Issues & Options

Comment

Representation ID: 18671

Received: 02/02/2007

Respondent: Fairview New Homes Ltd.

Agent: RPS Planning

Affordable housing policy should allow for consideration of site specific circumstances, including viability. Any specific requirements should be indicative, including for specific sites, and open to negotiation in accord with Circular 6/98. PPG3 states that planning authorities should work with developers to achieve realistic assumptions on public subsidy levels for affordable housing having regard to site costs and the amount of affordable housing that can be provided viably (also draft PPS3).

Any policy should state that cases will be considered having regard to merit and the Council’s objective to provide affordable housing based on an up to date Needs Assessment.

Comment

Representation ID: 18672

Received: 02/02/2007

Respondent: Fairview New Homes Ltd.

Agent: RPS Planning

Fairview New Homes object to the specific housing mix being set for development. There must be flexibility for developers to determine the residential composition of schemes based on market/commercial considerations and planning policies and environmental considerations.. It is unreasonable imposition because it erodes the ability of the private sector;
· to respond to market demands (Barker Report);
· to assess/respond to market demand;
· to assess scheme viability and establish a viable housing mix.
· If housing sizes/types are specified in LDDs, there is limited scope to respond to market changes.

Such controls could constrain housing supply.

Comment

Representation ID: 18673

Received: 02/02/2007

Respondent: Fairview New Homes Ltd.

Agent: RPS Planning

Re. Renewable energy. Energy and sustainable issues should not stifle regeneration and development. Such initiative are often a cost to developers. Specific policy requirements could make some schemes unviable and housing sites may not come forward.

Where difficult sites are being regenerated and the cost are significant, other issues may be more important. The viability of delivering schemes must be a priority. Sustainability and renewable energy requirements should be considered on a site by site basis.

Comment

Representation ID: 18674

Received: 02/02/2007

Respondent: Fairview New Homes Ltd.

Agent: RPS Planning

Fairview New Homes acknowledge that new developments should seek the highest standard of design possible. However, Fairview New Homes would recommend that any policy that comes forward ensures that the wording of such a policy provides clarity in terms of the definition of 'High Standard of Design'. PPS1 (Planning and Sustainable Design) states that Planning Authorities should prepare robust policies on design and the PPS identifies good standards of design with regards to issues such as access and the built environment. These should be referred to in any policy.