Do nothing, acknowledging that the scale of housing projects may be driven by commercial viability? Identify the importance of delivering smaller housing allocations as an aspiration of the NP and attempt to influence the scale, sequence and timing of development as a statutory consultee within the planning application process? What this could involve: Ensuring that there is a masterplan for all new developments on larger sites that provide a clear timeline for the development of each phase. Ensuring appropriate safeguarding conditions are attached to any approved scheme. Produce policies as part of the NP that provide some clarity on the sequence and timing of development within the broad strategic housing areas as identified in the Council’s adopted Core Strategy? What this could involve: Creating policies that prioritise development sites within the broad areas of search as set out in the Council’s Core Strategy with a phased approach to development, potentially linked to key infrastructure prerequisites. Producing a development checklist for all schemes to meet in coming forward. Housing Issue 2: The type and mix of housing coming forward The majority of respondents felt that obtaining the right housing type and mix in new developments was essential, with the view that there was a high need for family homes and starter accommodation with least demand for executive housing, flats and social housing. What should your Neighbourhood Plan do this? Option 1: Do nothing, recognising that housing type and mix is driven by demand? Option 2: Identify the importance of achieving balanced housing developments as an aspiration of the Option 3: Produce policies as part of the NP that will ensure the right type and mix of housing
are deemed appropriate? What this could involve: Identifying additional sites for housing to those shown in the Council’s adopted Core Strategy where it is felt these would secure quicker and greater local benefits. What this involve: Applying for Local Development Order status on key housing sites and developing closer working relations with developers to secure local benefits. Creating policies to improve design quality, including securing the provision of more private and public amenity space in new housing schemes. Business and Employment Issue 1: The focus for employment and business coming forward Many respondents felt that the town centre has suffered significant physical and economic decline but notwithstanding this, the vast majority of respondents felt that it should continue to be the main focus of employment and business, but with suitable provision on sites on the edge of centre and on the outskirts of town also. What should your Neighbourhood Plan do about this? Option 1: Do nothing, accepting that we should be as supportive as possible of business and employment Option 2: Identify the importance of protecting important employment sites as an aspiration of the NP and work to achieve this better as a Option 3: Develop policies as part of the NP to assist with employment creation within the town centre focusing on the scale and mix of office,
What this could involve: Resisting proposals for the loss of existing public open or new proposals that fail to make reasonable on or off-site provision. the redevelopment of the town centre? What this involve: Defining the role and importance of specific areas of open space and creating protective designations. Creating policies linked to a wider town centre regeneration masterplan that aims to create the right balance of town centre uses, and safeguarding designated open spaces and amenity areas. Working with the District Council to identify local standards of open space provision. Establish local deficiencies and allocate new sites to meet needs. Environment Issue 2: Maximising the use of renewable energy A high proportion of respondents recognised the importance of solar power as a source of renewable energy, but highlighted concerns with large scale wind power. What should your Neighbourhood Plan do about this? Option 1: Do nothing in recognition that most householder renewable energy initiatives do not require planning permission? Option 2: Identify the importance of maximising appropriate types and scale of renewable energy as an aspiration of the NP and work to achieve this better as a statutory consultee within the planning application process? What this could involve: Objecting to proposals for inappropriate renewable energy projects. Option 3: Develop policies as part of the NP to encourage appropriate renewable energy in all new developments, and resist inappropriate renewable energy projects? What this involve: Designate areas of protection within and around the town to help prevent