BASE HEADER

We wish to respond to the proposed Infrastructure Plan - Draft as follows:-

1.
Section 4.2
Para 16

Preferred Options (Full Version) section 4.12 Par 11 is supported as enabling organisations to provide community infrastructure such as schools, and particularly in respect to future schooling needs.
NPPF Item 72 states regarding choice of schools that "Local planning authorities should take a proactive, positive and collaborative approach to meeting this requirement" and "work with schools promoters".

NPPF Item 72 also states that The Government "attaches great importance to ensuring that a sufficient choice of school places is available to meet the needs of existing and new communities"......."development that will widen choice in education".
This is witnessed to in the Government's current support for Free Schools.

Such organisations clearly include "Faith schools".

A request is made to include a reference to "Free Schools" in this section.


2.
Section 4.5

There are many items that could be included in the infrastructure and as an organisation responsible for the provision of Gospel Halls we are concerned that there is no reference to places of worship.
NPPF Item 70 shows that to deliver the social, recreational and cultural facilities and services the community needs, planning policies and decisions should: plan positively for the provision......(of)... places of worship.
NPPF Item 171 Under Health and well-being states that "Local planning authorities should work with public health leads and health organisations to understand and take account of the health status and needs of the local population (such as ........ and places of worship).
Places of worship included at national level should be sufficient warrant to require specific inclusion at local level.
It is vital that this spiritual "well being" can be extended and made freely available throughout the whole community.
Every man has a responsibility to answer to God. "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve" Luke ch 4 verse 8.

NPPF Item 38 addresses "larger scale residential developments" and the need for "key facilities" within walking distance.
Representation was made to include Places of Worship in The Warwick District Local Plan 1993 and the following wording was amended and included:-
"It is of great importance that new development is of the highest quality and makes proper provision for such elements as infrastructure and community facilities, including places of worship. To this end, detailed development briefs will be prepared for all major housing allocations, prior to Outline Planning Permission being granted. The brief will be adhered to closely throughout the process of development of each site"

NPPF Item 28 also shows that places of worship contribute to a prosperous rural economy.

Places of worship are a vital part of the infrastructure and should be specifically included; without which this document is incomplete .