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ID sylw: 106974

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Bellway Homes

Asiant : Savills

Bellway is generally supportive of the principles set out in draft Policy Direction 25. However, the design principles set out are not justified unless they are to be considered on a site-by-site basis and incorporate flexibility to adapt to site specific circumstances. Design codes should not be overly prescriptive or restrictive where they are not
informed by detailed evidence and engagement with the Applicant team.
In addition the reference in the Policy Direction to ‘the principles of the 20-minute neighbourhood’ should be applied flexibly. At present the wording of the policy does not define what is considered to be ‘a reasonable walking distance of their homes’ or acknowledge potential implementation challenges.
It is noted that page 3 of the “Guide to existing housing densities in South Warwickshire” (January 2023), which forms part of the SWLP technical evidence, defines a 20-minute neighbourhood as “every-day services to be accessible within a 10-minute walk or cycle each way”. This is an unrealistic aim for larger strategic residential developments located adjacent to larger settlements, as well as developments within smaller settlements, where
infrastructure constraints and service provision limitations make such proximity difficult to achieve.
Accordingly any design measures must be justified with evidence (as required by paragraph 36 of the NPPF) and worded to allow for site-by-site consideration of requirements, rather than apply a blanket approach to new development.