Preferred Options November 2021

Support

Representation ID: 1978

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Terra Strategic

Agent: Terra Strategic

The Council have prepared a robust evidence base to support the Local Plan review. A Green Belt Study accompanies the review. As the majority of the district is covered in Green Belt, this is appropriate as it is likely that some release will be required to meet the demands. However, the Council should be prioritising areas for growth outside of the Green Belt to minimise the changes to the Green Belt boundary. Paragraph 141 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) clearly states that Local Authorities are required to fully examine all other reasonable options for meeting identified need before determining that exceptional circumstances exist Land at Penkridge Road, Acton Trussell is outside of the Green Belt and is a reasonable option for meeting housing need.

Support

Representation ID: 1979

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Terra Strategic

Agent: Terra Strategic

Terra support that “meeting the housing needs of the district…” is featured as the second Strategic Objective. However, as South Staffordshire forms part of the Greater Birmingham Housing Market Area (HMA), it is also appropriate that South Staffs role in meeting unmet need for the HMA is established.

Object

Representation ID: 1980

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Terra Strategic

Agent: Terra Strategic

Strategic Objective 1 focuses on the protection of the Green Belt - Therefore, the Council should be open to exploring the allocation of sites outside of the Green Belt which are readily available for development, as per Paragraph 141 of the NPPF. Without thoroughly considering reasonable alternatives to Green Belt release, the Plan cannot be found sound as it is contrary to National Policy.

Object

Representation ID: 1981

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Terra Strategic

Agent: Terra Strategic

There are a number of areas within the district, including Acton Trussell, which have not been considered for housing allocations. There Council should be considering these areas forallocation over Green Belt sites.

Support

Representation ID: 1982

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Terra Strategic

Agent: Terra Strategic

Terra agree that it is necessary to amend the open countryside boundaries to accommodate the proposed
Allocations.

Support

Representation ID: 1983

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Terra Strategic

Agent: Terra Strategic

Draft Policy DS3 The Spatial Strategy to 2038 sets out that the Council will deliver a minimum of 4,881 dwellings plus a contribution of 4,000 dwellings towards meeting the Greater Birmingham HMA. Terra support the inclusion of a “minimum” figure, as this allows for suitable flexibility to the housing requirement.

Object

Representation ID: 1984

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Terra Strategic

Agent: Terra Strategic

Rural villages should not be badged as unsuitable for development. Instead, the Council should seek out ways to improve the resources in Rural Settlements to increase their sustainability for current and future residents. Settlements like Acton Trussell have a real need for new housing stock for both family housing and housing for older people. New development can also secure
improvements to existing services and offer an opportunity to provide additional services. Within the Rural Services and Facilities Audit, it was found that Acton Trussell has poor access to services and facilities. However, Terra believe that this is not an accurate representation of the village. It does not account for the size of the village. The village of Bednall, to the east, is a significantly smaller settlement, yet it is classed as Tier 4 due to the village having a primary school. Apart from
this, it has no further services.

Support

Representation ID: 1985

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Terra Strategic

Agent: Terra Strategic

(a)
Terra agree with the principles of identifying strategic housing allocations that will be master planned and design focused. Furthermore, Terra agree that an aspect of community involvement is appropriate to ensure that the developments meet the needs of the current and future residents.

Object

Representation ID: 1986

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Terra Strategic

Agent: Terra Strategic

(a)
Strategic allocations often include long lead-in times. The Council should ensure that these sites are
supported by smaller allocations to secure a continuous Housing Land Supply (quotes para 69 of the NPPF). Settlements like Acton Trussell would benefit from residential lead allocations, which include a community benefit to improve the overall sustainability of the settlement. Acton Trussell is a large village which is in need of additional housing and services.

Support

Representation ID: 1987

Received: 13/12/2021

Respondent: Terra Strategic

Agent: Terra Strategic

(b)
As these sites are allocated for a large number of dwellings, Terra agree that it is appropriate for individual detailed Policies.