We are supportive of the need to reuse Brownfield land but remain concerned that relying on a large number of small windfall sites to meet the housing numbers will not allow the council to meet housing need, or to achieve the self containment of villages and towns. Based on existing housing allocation figures (para 6.3.1) it is the view of Grainger Trust plc that a significant proportion of the expected 350 new dwelling should be provided at a small number of strategic sites. And that at this site there should be agreements that provide for meeting the demonstrated housing needs of the district and provide for a "churn" in the housing market.
Paragraph, 6.3.2 - It is not clear how allocation of housing sites as a measure will ‘meet local needs’ and support the vitality and viability of shops, services etc. Land allocations alone will not achieve this and there is evidently no mechanism for supporting or delivering employment, services or other matters through this measure.
Paragraph 6.3.4– it is the view of Grainger Trust plc that the self containment of villages is inextricably linked to meeting the social, education and health needs of local people. Grainger Trust plc are concerned that there no land has been reserved for the new health centre, new community centre and possible need for a new school at Bere Regis. As these facilities are central to the health, vitality and self containment of Bere Regis, Grainger Trust wishes to provide land for these uses in its proposed development at the village.
between any new settlement extension and the development of the existing employment allocation is ambiguous in this paragraph.
The explanation of the inspector's decision as given in this paragraph is incomplete. Any reference to the inspector's decisions should be given in full and cross referenced to the relevant sites or deleted.
Para. 6.4.10. Grainger Trust plc consider that the housing needs of the district can be met more readily if the council adopts a more creative mix of policies and is committed to these being delivered in partnership with RSL and private sector partners providing
• More flexible approach to affordable housing definition that recognises the wider range of shared equity options, and "flexible tenure" options
(Grainger Trust plc is willing to share its knowledge on this aspect)
• the positive encouragement of new retirement villages and new wardened accommodation with planning obligations over the release of subsequently vacated housing so that this remains as affordable housing
Policy PO19 – Qualified Support
It is to be recognised however that in order to achieve this objective, housing developments will need to be of some size. Clearly this will not be achievable in a small affordable housing schemes or infill developments.
Grainger Trust plc considers that its proposals for the development at Bere Regis will assist in meeting the housing needs referred to in para 6.4.8 .
Policy PO20 – No Comment
Policy PO21 – Qualified Support
The definition of affordable housing is too narrow and the Council should consider a broader definition as outlined above that will stimulate movement in the housing market and the provision of an even broader mix of housing opportunity within the District.
Policy PO22 – No Comment
Policy PO23 – No Comment
Policy PO24 – No Comment
Policy PO25 – Support
Policy PO26 – Qualified Support
The addition of "and new development" at the end of the policy would make this more comprehensive.
Policy PO27 – Support
This should be couched in much broader terms and perhaps it may be helpful to omit the word ‘new’. Although there is an encouragement to mixed and sustainable development in the key villages, these are not referred to within PO30. In other locations, it may be appropriate to introduce a reference to the Government Guidance Note PPS7 as a means to determining what is and what is not appropriate in rural proposals.
Policy PO31 – No Comment
Policy PO32 – No Comment
Policy PO33 – Qualified Support
This Policy is currently couched in too narrow a form and it may be better worded as follows:-
“Encourage the provision of "live-work" and "start-up units, incubator and/or serviced employment accommodation”.
From our experience it is virtually impossible to identify local areas in which a need for business start-up can be ‘demonstrated’. The latent demand for workspace, particularly in rural areas, is often only demonstrated by positively providing start-up and incubator units within an environment that encourages those latent and hidden businesses to emerge to occupy it. Given that Purbeck has a requirement throughout the District to provide new employment opportunities so as to retain its employable workforce more closely, there is effectively a need throughout the District and therefore it cannot be qualified at a more localised level. There is a need for the addition of "live work units" to reflect the growing popularity of these units for start-ups in the knowledge economy
Policy PO34 – No Comment
Policy PO35 – Qualified Support
The preferred option is couched in too narrow terms. Simply retaining and enhancing existing holiday accommodation (or providing some additional holiday accommodation in Swanage and Wareham) will not in itself promote Purbeck as a year round tourist destination. There are many other aspects to tourism which require entirely distinct encouragement and support. Accommodation is but one measure. The policy needs to be expanded and reworded.
Policy PO36–40 – Support