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ID sylw: 108041

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Rainier Developments Ltd

Asiant : Pegasus Group

This Policy Direction is generally supported; Paragraph 73 of the NPPF is clear that small-to-medium sized sites can make an important contribution towards an area’s housing supply, and opportunities should be sought to support small sites being brought forward. It is stated that the existing settlement boundaries will be reviewed, and this is encouraged by Rainier Developments, since the Urban Capacity Study (October 2022) identifies that there is only scope for up to 6,145 dwellings within existing boundaries, a figure which is far below South Warwickshire’s housing requirement.

The fact that the Councils will support small-scale development adjacent to settlement boundaries is welcomed, since these can be amongst the most sustainable locations for housing. Going forward, it will be important to define “small-scale”. The suggested ‘threshold site size’, below which developments are likely to be acceptable, is expected to be an appropriate approach, although this should only serve as guidance for developers and decision-makers, and not be overly restrictive, to ensure that this does not discourage the efficient use of land, which would be contrary to national policy, including Paragraph 124 of the NPPF.

Villages should be afforded growth where this would not have adverse sustainability implications. It is imperative to ensure that a balanced approach is taken, and sufficient choice is available across a range of settlements, particularly for those households who have grown up in rural communities, and who wish to stay local to their roots, families, and social networks. This will assist with satisfying social objectives as referred to in the Plan, including the commitment to meet the diverse needs of all communities and residents in delivering homes (Strategic Objective 2). As discussed in relation to Policy Directions 1and 10, the delivery of greater housing numbers, including affordable housing, in such villages would deliver significant social benefits.

The Policy Direction suggests very limited development will be allowed within and adjacent to settlements in the Green Belt. In order to be consistent with the latest national policy, it is recommended that reference should be made to ‘grey belt’ land. Providing that the tests in Paragraph 155 of the NPPF are met, small-scale development adjacent to settlement boundaries on sustainable grey belt sites should be supported.