Issue and Options 2023
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Results for Hallam Land Management Limited (HLM) search
New searchThe following comments are made in respect of HLM’s site reference 103, which is referenced as Area 7 and 8 within the South of Coventry Area. In respect of Connectivity, it is noted the only barriers listed are the railway between Areas 7 and 8, and HS2 to the south. The Transport Authorities for the area have consulted on a new A46 Strategic Link Road within the HLM site that would provide a new crossing over the railway. Connectivity across the railway can be overcome and is envisaged by the Transport Authorities. HS2 to the south is not a barrier to connectivity to the South of Coventry, and therefore not considered relevant. Importantly, there are no barriers between the site 103 and the urban area of South Coventry. In respect of Landforms, no account is taken in the assessment of the planned services at Kings Hill SUE. Unless there is evidence this development which has planning permission is not to be delivered, then it should be taken into consideration when assessing sites otherwise opportunities will be missed to locate development near to planned infrastructure and facilities. Paragraph 73. a) requires Councils to consider the opportunities presented by existing or planned investment in infrastructure when deciding the location of new development. The assessment should therefore be amended to take into account the planned facilities at Kings Hill SUE. A comment is made in the Connectivity Section that the area would erode the separation between Coventry and Kenilworth at its narrowest point. This comment does not appear to be relevant to the Connectivity Assessment, and in any event is inaccurate as the narrowest point would not be eroded. It is noted the Councils are to undertake a review of the Green Belt to assess whether there are areas which no longer meet all five of the Green Belt purposes and could be removed. HLM have submitted with these representations an assessment of its site against the five purposes of the Green Belt, and it is requested this is taken into account when the Councils undertake their assessment. In summary, the extent to which site 103 contributes to the purposes of the Green Belt and preventing neighbouring towns merging is diminished by the construction of HS2, the planned construction of the A46 Strategic Link Road, and the planned woodland belt that will be planted along these two infrastructure corridors. These works will create a sizeable and strong defensible boundary between the settlements of Coventry and Kenilworth, and the narrowest part of the gap between the two will not be eroded as illustrated within the assessment provided by HLM. It is important also that any assessment has regard to paragraph 142 of the NPPF, and the need to give first consideration to previously developed land and/or land well served by public transport, and also to take into consideration the ability to offset any removal through compensatory improvements to the environmental quality and accessibility of remaining Green Belt land. HLM’s proposals as illustrated within the Vision Document for site 104 show how compensatory improvements are proposed to the environmental quality of land north of Kenilworth in the form of flood mitigation and ecological enhancement works. The Councils will be aware of the Transport Authorities plans to provide a new rail station/public transport interchange within the HLM site, that is to be connected by Very Light Rail to Coventry running through the site. When completed, this site will be one of the best served sites in South Warwickshire for public transport.
More generally, HLM wish to make the point that the South Warwickshire Local Plan clearly must have regard to Coventry City and its proposals for the City. This is not just in terms of housing and jobs, but also transport, services, green infrastructure, etc. Having regard to the City’s ambitions for its City Centre, homes, jobs, and infrastructure, the South Warwickshire Local Plan must play its part and therefore South Coventry must inevitably be a focus for growth within the Plan period to 2050 to support the regeneration and transformation of the City to a modern 21st Century City with an expanded World-Class University, Very Light Rail, City fibre, high quality residential areas, and an innovative economy. Both Warwick and Coventry Councils shared a Vision for land south of Coventry in its adopted Local Plan (Appendix B). That Vision should be refreshed and updated to reflect what has happened since 2017, and to look forward to how this area might be in 2050 with sustainable and active travel infrastructure at its core, with attractive residential communities nestled within green and blue infrastructure. HLM have set out a Vision for its site which shows how development could help achieve the five overarching principles of the Plan. This includes a commitment to designing the development to drive down emissions and be more climate responsive. This Vision can sit within and inform a wider Vision for the area, and HLM would be happy to meet to discuss this further with the Councils and Transport Authorities.
No answer given
With regard to how and where best housing shortfalls should be accommodated in South Warwickshire, HLM consider that settlements or areas with the strongest sustainable transport connections to the conurbations where unmet housing needs are arising should be prioritised. In the case of Coventry’s unmet needs, this should be land south of Coventry.
Q-B.1: Areas of Restraint - In the context of planning for major urban extensions, the Councils may wish to consider whether the areas it considers should remain open should be designated as Green Belt in accordance with paragraph 139 of the Framework.
The Site partially sits within the north eastern portion of Broad Location: B.16 Royal Leamington Spa Southwest. Overall, the assessment is positive about the sustainable effects of this area, including the potential for provision of a mix of uses, reducing the need to travel, provision of jobs and homes and avoiding settlement coalescence. However, the following comments should be considered for the next iteration of the SA. SA4 should be reconsidered as it is stated that B.16 is not in proximity to a Country Park. The Site is immediately adjacent to Tachbrook Country Park, which is already informally used and subject to improvements. Furthermore, Land East of Europa Way could substantially extend the Country Park. SA5 notes the proximity of Grade II Listed Buildings, and recognises that detailed heritage assessments can ensure the setting of heritage assets. It is questioned therefore whether this should be deemed to have a major negative effect. A number of the spatial assessments in relation to SA Objectives 10 to 13 should be reconsidered in relation to committed development and that currently under construction. In particular, the land uses at the Asps should be considered, including primary school, park and ride and a local centre. SA12 also suggests B.16 is outside of the target distance to a secondary school. This does not take account of Oakley School, which is within walking distance of the Site.
No answer given
It is unfortunate the Settlement Analysis Report in dividing the southern urban area Warwick and Leamington Spa; and only focussing on land immediately adjacent to the village of Bishop’s Tachbrook means that Land East of Europa Way has not been assessed. Clearly there is time to remedy this unfortunate consequence of subdividing assessment areas. Any assessment is likely to identify the Site as having better than average connectivity, with opportunities to join up with Europa Way, Banbury Road, north to Lower Heathcote and east towards Bishop’s Tachbrook. Any assessment should be mindful of the detailed consents at the Asps, Tachbrook Country Park and Oakley Grove and the proposed improvements to the Europa Way corridor.
More generally, south of Warwick and Leamington was identified in the adopted Warwick Local Plan (2017) as one of the most appropriate locations for strategic growth based on the availability of suitable sites to deliver sustainable urban extensions, lack of overriding constraints, being outside of the Green Belt and the opportunity to support the existing facilities within the towns. Further growth in this area would be consistent with the achievement of sustainable development as set out in national policy. HLM have set out an Emerging Vision for its site which shows how development could help achieve the five overarching principles of the Plan. This includes a commitment to designing the development to drive down emissions, and provide new and sustainable nearby services and facilities. This Vision sees the provision of a substantial extension of Tachbrook Country Park to provide a permanent buffer between Bishop’s Tachbrook village and the urban area. HLM would be happy to meet to discuss this further with the Councils.
