Local plan scoping consultation

Dear Sir, Madam,

Please find our submission regarding the current scoping exercise in relation to the local plan preparation.

Submission in relation to sites

ID OS 134
ID OS 206
ID OS 207
ID OS 329

Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to provide greater clarity on this.

Relevant Context

I own and control all of the land shown on plans referenced as ID OS 134, 329, 207 and 206 and can confirm that I am actively looking to bring the land forward for the development of housing.

Discussions with agents are advanced, and a design and technical team is in the final process of being appointed. The results of this is that we are in a position to confirm:
- The site is available (single ownership/proactive land owner)
- The site is suitable (accessible site well related to adjacent developments - existing and emerging)
- The site is deliverable (initial technical studies indicate no barriers to sustainable development)
- The number of homes achievable (this work is ongoing but development within parcel 207 can be maximised due to surrounding ownerships)
- The site will facilitate the clear sustainable delivery of housing stock whilst acting to preserve the wider context of the area
- The site will provide for substantial and in excess of 100meter green protective buffer zone to the surrounding land. In addition due to the elevated nature of the site the visual impact to surrounding properties is minimal with very few having only a distant sight of the proposed.
- The site would not be visible from Leek Old Road or the green belt surrounding Sutton or Lyme Green
- The site will combat urban sprawl due to having clearly defined defensible boundaries to all four sides ensuring future containment.
- The site benefits from clear safe and well established access to the A536 (London Road) with in excess of 200m uninterrupted vision and is positioned away from other road junctions.
- The site is absolutely in context with the surrounding area being adjacent to existing established development and relates directly to the ongoing London Road, Lyme Green Developments.
- The site represents the logical next part of the development of Lyme Green in addition to the existing developments momentum.

Separate Parcels

The rationale for submitting separate plans, was to outline the full extent of the ownership and possibilities within the site as a whole, and whilst development will be focussed within the boundary shown on ID OS 134, this does not remove the ability of wider ownerships, (OS 207), to additionally form part of the developable area (subject to the outcome of ongoing technical studies) or for that land to be used to provide mitigation and open space areas for the likes of BNG and SUDS.

Also, we are mindful of the strong relationship of this land with the adjacent Morris Homes scheme, and therefore wanted to ensure that officers were aware of this land is potentially available, should that support delivery of more homes. This land is shown on ID OS 206.

For clarity, we would like Site ref ID OS 134 & ID OS 206 to be considered within the Call for Sites for housing and emphasise that development within this area can be maximised, due to the lack of constraints and availability of adjacent land within the same ownership.

Next Steps
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further, and if process allows, provide updated information to help with officers assessment of the suitability of the site. If you need any additional information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards

Matt Gater