Issue and Options 2023

Yes

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Q-I2 – Please select the infrastructure delivery option which is most appropriate for South Warwickshire Option I2a: Set out infrastructure requirements for all scales, types and location of development The infrastructure requirements for the development strategy are critical in ensuring that development is deliverable and truly sustainable. One of the critical considerations in the site selection process should be the presence of onsite infrastructure at the site or the ability for development to provide it. As an example, the site in which BDW has an interrest at Bearley Station is a large scale development next to a train station. The site will encourage improvements to the train station and enhance the sustainability credentials of the area generally, by providing a station car park, a new school, large areas of public open space and employment. As part of the site selection process the local authority should consider how the infrastructure already present or can be provided can benefit the existing and new communities. Q-I3 – Please select the CIL option which is most appropriate for South Warwickshire Option I3a: Establish a South Warwickshire CIL (or emerging new Infrastructure Levy) to support the delivery of the Plan The CIL requirements must be considered as part of the plans viability assessment. Q-I4.1 – Should we include a policy to safeguard specific infrastructure schemes within the SWLP? Yes. There are a series of existing infrastructure schemes proposed across both plan areas. It would be sensible to include a policy in the plan confirming the nature and location of these schemes. Q-I5 – Please provide any comments you wish to make about infrastructure, viability and deliverability The development strategy needs to be deliverable and viable and there needs to be confidence that the sites and locations that are allocated for development will come forward as expected. The allocation should be ‘deliverable’ as defined in the Glossary of the NPPF. It is appropriate that development proposals will be assessed through the South Warwickshire Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment and Infrastructure Delivery Strategy that are being prepared alongside a Viability Assessment to ensure that the proposals that are put forward are viable. In order to inform this process regard should be had to the site specific submissions put forward through the Call for Sites process. As part of their due diligence in promoting sites, BDW have undertaken a series of technical studies and a master planning process in order to ensure that their proposals are viable and deliverable. This includes liaising with key service providers such as Network Rail and West Midlands Trains and also County Public Rights of Way officers.

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The South Warwickshire Urban Capacity Study is a useful document that confirms the indicative capacity of the settlements within the plan area. However, its conclusions must be treated with caution. In the first instance, it should not be assumed that all brownfield sites within the existing settlements could be brought forward for residential development. A number of these sites may be better suited for alternative uses such as employment or retail. In addition, a number of brownfield sites may not be suitable for residential development on viability grounds, or will be unable to support a “normal” S.106 package and result in reduced contributions towards affordable housing. This could be exacerbated by the introduction of NDSS standard housing and the other requirements of the emerging plan. Furthermore, the study does not consider the capacity of existing infrastructure to accommodate development, for example education and health. There may be infrastructure constraints that prevent some sites being developed, or a lack of services and facilities nearby that make sites unsustainable locations for residential development. There is currently insufficient information available to establish the role brownfield sites can play in help meeting the Plan’s housing requirement. If there is evidence to suggest that there are specific sites that warrant an allocation in the emerging plan that is an appropriate approach. However, all other opportunities of this nature should be treated as windfall sites and included in the Plan’s windfall allowance.

Yes

The inclusion of Bearley in the Settlement Analysis is appropriate. The land to the east and west of the Birmingham Road and south of Snitterfield Road, at Bearley is identified as having connectivity grade “C” by the Settlement Analysis. There is no explanation why this conclusion has been reached. The site is in close proximity to the existing residential properties at Bearley and is located adjacent to a railway station. BDW’s proposals in this location would result in a number of connectivity improvements between the existing village and Bearley Station. This includes improving pedestrian access under the rail bridge on the A3400 Birmingham Road, the provision of additional car parking and new public footpath connections across the site. The Local Facilities Assessment within the Settlement Analysis, advises that there is just a single place to meet, one area of open space, leisure, recreation and wellbeing, within Bearley. Bearley has a village hall, sports and social club, playgrounds, a church and a train station. BDW’s proposals at Bearley will significantly improve the services that are available within this village. Alongside new housing, provision will be made for a primary school and employment opportunities and improved access to the station including the provision of a car park for train passengers in order to increase use of the station. The development proposal will turn Bearley into a significantly more sustainable village, with a variety of new services and facilities, meaning that there is less likelihood that its residents will need to commute elsewhere. For example, as there is no school within the village; all pupils must commute to nearby towns and villages for their education. This matter would be resolved through the creation of a new primary school on site. Since the Settlement Analysis does not factor in development proposals, it does not fully consider the ability and suitability of Bearley to accommodate additional sustainable development.

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Appropriate strategy

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Q-S5.2 – Do you think the new settlements should be part of the overall strategy? New settlements that require a complete infrastructure package will take several years to deliver following adoption of the SWLP. They must, therefore, be supplemented by other allocations, especially for the early delivery of new homes. It is noted most of the new settlements are located on rail corridors, but mostly not in the vicinity of existing stations. It would make sense for development adjacent to existing train stations to be considered first as these are much more likely to deliver sustainable developments within the SMLP plan Period. An example the site in which BDW has an interest at Bearley. Q-S8.1 – For the settlements that fall outside the chosen growth strategy, do you think a threshold approach is appropriate to allow more small scale development to come forward? No. There are a number of settlements that fall outside the identified Growth Options, with the exception of disbursed strategy. These should be capable of accommodating development relevant to their needs. This should be based on a case-by-case basis.