Comment

Representation ID: 21303

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Owl Homes

Agent: Barton Willmore

Section 13 – Sub Areas and Site Allocations

Section 13 is divided into four chapters related to each of the four Black Country Authorities. Chapter C) relates specifically to Walsall and identifies the site allocations for the area.

The Vision for Walsall Council is provided at paragraph C.7, with a number of priorities and how they will be delivered set out at paragraphs C.9 and C.10. We support the vision and consider that the delivery of the Site can assist with a number of the priorities set out for Walsall, for example, by providing housing which meets all of people’s needs and is affordable, safe and warm.

In line with paragraph C.10, the proposed development will provide housing in a sustainable area, near to Aldridge and the services and facilities it benefits from. The proposed development will also integrate well with the existing urban area through the provision of footpaths within the Site, as well as improved footpath provision on Middlemore Lane West, ensuring cohesion with the adjacent settlement.
Figure 19 sets out the spatial strategy for Walsall. This removes our client’s Site from the Green Belt and identifies it as a housing allocation. The Site is also adjacent to the Green Belt and a Strategic Employment Area. Table 31 supplements the strategy and includes the ‘Walsall Sites Allocated for Housing by the Black Country Plan’. Within the table, the Site is listed as ‘Middlemore Lane West, Aldridge’ (WAH233) and is shown as having an indicative housing capacity of 35 dwellings. The site allocations process has been informed by the Sustainability Appraisal, as well as the Black Country Plan Site Assessment Report (August 2021).

We support the allocation of the Site for residential development, and consider that it represents a logical solution to meeting housing need by ‘rounding off’ / extended the existing settlement, in accordance with paragraph 3.17 of the BCP. The Site is near to a range of transport links and local services and facilities. The Vision Document submitted as part of these representations (Appendix 2) emphasises the suitability of the Site for residential development and provides further information on how it can be comprehensively brought forwards. Owl Homes have a strong track record of delivering homes within the local area, for example at Walsall Wood. This demonstrates their ability to deliver the Site in a timely manner, contributing towards the Council’s housing land supply position.

Within Table 31, further information is provided for the development of the Site, and states:

“A strategy for landscape and ecology that ensures the retention and / or mitigation for established trees. Footpath improvements along Middlemore Lane to provide safe and secure access routes. On-site provision or funding for off-site arrangements to improve access to a primary school and local health centre.”

The further information provided within table 31 is in line with the proposals submitted to date. The Concept Plan shown within the Vision Document at Appendix 2 would retain all existing boundary hedges and provide footpath improvements along Middlemore Lane. As part of the planning application process, a detailed strategy for landscape and ecology would be provided in line with site-specific evidence. Owl Homes are also willing to provide any contributions which are considered to meet the tests set out in Regulation 122(2) of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 and paragraph 57 of the NPPF and subject to any viability work. Our comments in relation to relevant draft BCP policies e.g. on Renewable and Low Carbon Energy are also applicable in this site-specific context.

Summary of Suggested Changes and Conclusion

In summary, support is provided for the overall strategy for future development within the Black Country Authorities, with particular reference to the removal of smaller sites such as Land off Bosty Lane from the Green Belt at the edge of Towns and Neighbourhood Areas in the form of rounding off (paragraph 3.17). The residential allocation of Middlemore Lane West, Aldridge (WAH233) is also supported. The development of the Site will deliver 32 high quality homes, set within a strong landscape setting, with an attractive public open space as part of the development.

Several changes are proposed above, based on the Local Plan tests of soundness (NPPF, paragraph 35), and we respectfully request that these are considered going forwards to the Pre-Submission (regulation 19) Plan.
We would be grateful for confirmation that these representations have been received and registered as duly made. We trust this submission is clear and helpful, but should you have any questions in relation to the above and/or attached please do not hesitate to contact me.