Comment

Representation ID: 22522

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Clowes Developments

Agent: Harris Lamb

Omission Site: Land at Holbeache Lane, Kingswinford

The Objector has noted elsewhere that there is a considerable overspill figure to be accommodated and which will have to be found in the Green Belt surrounding the Black Country. The Objector has also raised concerns that some of the findings regarding the use of existing industrial land for residential development in the Plan period are unsound and that the extent of the overspill has, in fact, been underestimated. The Objector submits that it is imperative that the Black Country authorities utilises as much land as possible within their administrative area to ensure that every opportunity has been undertaken to accommodate the Black Country’s needs within its own boundaries.
In this context, the Objector submits that land under its control north of Holbeache Lane and adjoining the Policy DSA1 allocation – Land South of Holbeache Lane should be identified for residential development.

The allocation of the site is justified on the following grounds:

1) There is a substantial shortfall in the amount of land needed to meet the Black Country’s needs and that which is allocated in the Plan; thus the allocation of the site would help to reduce the extent of the shortfall. The overall land available is some 7.279 hectares which, at a density of 40 units on a net developable area of 5 hectares, could provide some 200 units.

2) The site is situated in an area where further development is already contemplated by the Black Country and we refer to the Policy DSA1 allocation. It is clear, having regard to this allocation and also the surrounding land uses to the south, that residential development is inappropriate land use in the area.

3) Sustainable Location
Kingswinford is a sustainable part of the Black Country with good access to a range of facilities including employment and local centres.

4) Visual Impact
The site is well contained by existing land uses to the south-east and east, a substantial planting belt to the north, providing visual containment and prevent further outward spread of development. To the south, the site adjoins the DSA1 allocation.

5) Although the site is within the Green Belt, it is clear that Green Belt will have to be released in order to meet the Black Country’s needs. As noted above this particular site is well contained by existing landscaping to the north and the existing urban area and proposed allocations to the east and south and west.

In this context, there will be no uncontrolled urban sprawl. Although there will be a loss of Green Belt in principle, none of the other purposes of the Green Belt would be materially affected.

6) There is direct access to the A449 along Holbeache Lane. Whilst this would need to be upgraded in part, this could be done in conjunction with adjoining development.

7) The site is flat and otherwise relatively featureless.


8) The site is in single ownership and there is no impediment to it being brought forward within the Plan period.

For the reasons stated above, the Objector respectfully requests that land to the north of Holbeache
Lane be added to the allocation of residential sites within the Black Country Plan.
Holbeache Lane