report of director of planning and regulatory … · doc123. agenda item no. 11. 3. summary of key...

Agenda Item no. 11 Our Vision: Working in Partnership to make the Maldon District a better place to live, work and enjoy

REPORT of

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND REGULATORY SERVICES

to

PLANNING AND LICENSING COMMITTEE

4 AUGUST 2016

TRAVELLER SITE ALLOCATIONS DEVELOPMENT PLAN DOCUMENT

PREFERRED OPTIONS CONSULTATION

1. PURPOSE OF THE REPORT

This report seeks approval for the following: 1.1

The Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document to be published for

Preferred Options consultation.

Agreement for the Director of Planning and Regulatory Services, in consultation

with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Planning and Licensing

Committee, to approve final designs and any minor amendments to the

consultation material prior to publication.

The setting up of a Rural Allocations Working Group to explore, consider and

review the progression of work on the Site Allocations Development Plan

Document.

2. RECOMMENDATIONS

(i) that the Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document and supporting background documents be approved for publication for Preferred

Options consultation.

(ii) that the Director of Planning and Regulatory Services be given authority, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Planning and

Licensing Committee, to approve the final designs and any minor amendments

to the Preferred Options consultation material prior to publication for six week

consultation.

(iii) that a Rural Allocations Working Group is set up containing members of the Planning and Licensing Committee and Members invited to attend the Group

based on the location of the emerging site allocations for rural housing and

employment.

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Agenda Item no. 11

3. SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES

Background 3.1

3.1.1 The Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) is a key document supporting the Maldon District Council Local Development Plan (LDP) to

provide a framework for the delivery of traveller sites in the District over the next 15

years. The purpose of the plan is to allocate appropriate sites for the development 32

traveller pitches across the District, and to specify policies which will guide the

delivery of each proposed site in accordance with policies set out in the LDP.

3.1.2 Following the Examination in Public of the LDP in January 2015, the Initial Findings

of LDP Inspector David Vickery found LDP Policy H6 unsound where it did not

allocate new traveller pitches to meet the future needs of the traveller community. To

address the concerns raised by the previous LDP Inspector, in May 2015 the Council

adopted the findings of the Essex Gypsy and Travellers Accommodation Assessment

(GTAA) identifying a need of 32 pitches up to 2028. Modifications have been

proposed to Policy H6 to state that the identified need will be allocated within the

Travellers Site Allocations DPD.

3.1.3 On 6 March 2016 the Secretary of State informed the Council that he agreed with the

conclusions of the previous LDP Inspector that Policy H6 was not consistent with

national policy, however he disagreed with the previous Inspector’s interim findings

that the Plan was therefore unsound. The Secretary of State disagreed with the

previous Inspector’s conclusions that the Council should not be given the opportunity

to try to remedy any identified concerns with LDP Policy H6, particularly in light of

the Council’s actions since May 2015 in agreeing to use the recommendations of the

Essex Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment 2014 to identify the

District’s need for future Traveller pitches.

3.1.4 The soundness of LDP Policy H6 is linked to the allocation of traveller pitches within

the Travellers Site Allocations DPD. The timely progression of the Travellers Site

Allocations DPD is therefore critical to the progression and adoption of the LDP. To

meet the future needs of the travelling community as set out in the GTAA, the

Traveller Site Allocations DPD has identified sites across the District which can

deliver 32 pitches up to 2028.

The identification of proposed traveller pitch allocations - Site Selection 3.2Methodology

3.2.1 The Background Paper provided in APPENDIX 2 outlines in detail the methodology for identifying and assessing potential sites for rural housing, rural employment, and

traveller pitches. The site selection methodology was developed in consultation with

the Planning Policy Panel, and was presented at a Members Briefing on 10 December

2015. Following the Briefing, the methodology was circulated to all Members

providing a two week period for any comments or proposed amendments to be shared

with the Planning Policy Team.

Agenda Item no. 11

3.2.1.1 The methodology includes five stages of assessment. Stage 1 only related to the identification of sustainable settlements where rural housing allocations may be

appropriate. Although sustainability is a key consideration in the location of

travellers sites, potential sites in the District are predominantly located on the edge

and outside of rural settlements, and close to transport links such as the A12.

Therefore, the stage 1 assessment does not apply to potential travellers sites.

3.2.1.2 The remaining four assessment stages are summarised below.

3.2.2 Stage 2, long list of potential sites

3.2.2.1 To ensure that all reasonable alternatives for potential sites have been considered in developing the Travellers Site Allocations DPD, a long list of potential sites was

compiled from the following sources:

Sites which have received planning permission for a travellers pitch since the

production of the GTAA (3 pitches);

Sites received via a ‘call for sites’ consultation held from September - October

2015 (2 sites identified);

Any sites in and around settlements identified by Parish / Town Councils

through the questionnaire consultation held during August – October 2015.

No sites were put forward within the submitted questionnaires;

Potential sites in and around settlements identified by Officers (1 site

identified); and

Sites identified through a questionnaire consultation undertaken with existing

travellers sites in the District in November 2015 (see APPENDIX 2 for a

summary of the consultation results) (6 sites identified);

3.2.2.2 The sources listed above identified 9 potential traveller sites.

3.2.3 Stage 3, quantitative assessment of the short list of sites

3.2.3.1 The 9 potential traveller sites were assessed against a sustainability matrix produced specifically for the assessment of travellers sites. The matrix provided in

APPENDIX 2 was presented at a Members Briefing on 10 December 2015, and

circulated to all Members for comment. The matrix broadly follows the selection

criteria used to support the identification of preferred housing sites in the LDP. The

criteria are derived from the Sustainability Objectives in the Sustainability Appraisal,

and provide some consistency with previous LDP assessments. This approach

ensures that sites are assessed as objectively as possible and that sites can be easily

compared.

3.2.3.2 The criteria for assessing sites for travellers consider potential impacts including the effect upon landscapes, natural and heritage conservation as well as physical

limitations or problems such as access, infrastructure, ground conditions, flood risk,

hazardous risks, pollution or contamination. A colour coding system was used to

identify the severity of any constraints as outlined below;

Agenda Item no. 11

Assessment Definition

No constraints identified, development acceptable in principle

or development would have a positive impact

- Neutral impact or there may be constraints, but mitigation is

possible

Significant constraints, although mitigation should be possible

Severe constraints where mitigation is unlikely to be possible

and development is probably unacceptable

3.2.3.3 Not all criteria are of the same significance so the assessment should not be used alone to rank the sites into those that are most suitable. It does however act as a

useful guide. The assessment of sites also considers the availability and achievability

of sites.

3.2.3.4 The National Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) advises that a site is considered available for development, when, on the best information available (confirmed by the

call for sites and information from land owners and legal searches where appropriate),

there is confidence that there are no legal or ownership problems, such as unresolved

multiple ownerships, ransom strips tenancies or operational requirements of

landowners. The PPG also advises that a site is considered achievable for

development where there is a reasonable prospect that the particular type of

development will be developed on the site at a particular point in time. This requires

a judgement about the economic viability of a site, and the capacity of a developer to

deliver the site within the Plan period.

3.2.3.5 The results of the Stage 3 assessments are provided in APPENDIX 2, which includes the assessment of all 9 potential travellers sites. Sites that received a double red cross

for any criteria were discounted at Stage 3 and were not progressed to later stages.

The emerging results of the Stage 3 assessments were presented to Planning Policy

Panel in February 2015.

3.2.4 Stage 4, quantitative assessment of the short list of sites

3.2.4.1 In Stage 4 seven remaining travellers sites were assessed for their qualitative impact, which includes the consideration of subjective issues such as impact on landscape

impact, heritage, capacity of sewerage, GP’s and education provision. To consider

these impacts, consultation with Essex County Council (ECC) and other Maldon

District Council (MDC) departments was undertaken to assess the appropriateness of

the proposed allocations.

3.2.4.2 The results of the Stage 4 assessments are provided in APPENDIX 2. The initial results of the stage 4 travellers site assessments were presented to meetings of the

Planning Policy Panel held during April to June 2015.

3.2.5 Stage 5, proposed potential allocations

3.2.5.1 The sites which progress to Stage 5 are considered appropriate as potential allocations. The results of Stage 5 are included in APPENDIX 2, where three

traveller sites progressed to Stage 5 as potential allocations.

Agenda Item no. 11

3.2.5.2 The results of the Stage 5 assessments were presented to Planning Policy Panel in April 2015, and to Ward Members associated with potential allocations in May 2015.

Proposed traveller site allocations 3.3

3.3.1 Although LDP Policy H6 has been considered unsound where there is no provision made for the future needs of the travelling community in the District, the sequential

approach outlined within the Policy provides useful guidance of the Council’s

preferred approach to allocating new sites. LDP Policy H6 states that ‘the following

sequential approach is preferred when considering proposals for new Travellers’ or

Travelling Showpeople provision, in the following order of priority:

1) Existing identified sites which could provide additional provision through

intensification and/or improved orientation; then

2) Existing identified sites which could provide additional provision through

appropriate expansion; then

3) Sites within existing development boundaries or strategic growth areas; then

4) Other sites in the District which are deemed suitable by the Council’.

3.3.2 As outlined in the GTAA, to meet the District’s needs up to 2028, 32 pitches are required to be allocated. Since the publication of the GTAA, the following three

pitches have received planning permission, which can be included within the

District’s needs, reducing the total requirement to 29 pitches to be allocated in the

Traveller Site Allocations DPD:

13/00920/FUL, Captains Wood Road, Great Totham, the use of land for the

stationing of caravans for residential purposes for 1 no. gypsy pitch together

with the formation of additional hard standing and utility/ dayroom ancillary

to that use.

13/00323/FUL, Land adjacent to the Horseshoes, Tolleshunt D’arcy, the use

of land for the stationing of caravans for residential purposes for 2 no. gypsy

pitches together with the formation of additional hard standing, utility/

dayrooms and retention of existing stabling buildings ancillary to that use.

3.3.3 The Stage 2 assessment to identify potential traveller allocations included a ‘call for sites’ consultation, a questionnaire survey undertaken with all existing traveller sites,

an assessment of known unauthorised traveller sites, and a Parish and Town Council

questionnaire, however only nine sites were identified for further assessment (see

APPENDIX 2 for further details). Following further assessment, only four sites

reached Stage 5 to be considered as potential allocations. The four sites were:

Land adjacent to the Stables, Colchester Road, Great Totham

Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little Totham

Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major

10 The Brambles, Foxhall Road, Southminster

3.3.4 The Brambles in Southminster was considered as a potentially acceptable unauthorised site which could be included in the DPD, however the July 2016 caravan

Agenda Item no. 11

count undertaken by the Council identified that the occupants of this site do not

consider themselves as gypsies or travellers. This site is therefore not considered as

an existing travellers site, is not available as a future travellers site, and therefore

cannot be allocated as such for the purposes of the Site Allocations DPD. The site

was removed from the Stage 5 assessment.

3.3.5 The remaining three sites present potential allocations with available capacity in excess of that required to meet the District’s remaining need of 29 pitches. An

assessment of the potential capacity of the remaining traveller sites in Stage 5 set out

the following potential allocations presented in APPENDIX 1;

Preferred

Policy Site Name/ Address Settlement

Estimated

Number

of pitches

TS1 Land adjacent to the Stables, Colchester

Road, Great Totham Great Totham 10

TS2 Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little

Totham Little Totham 10

TS3 Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major Tolleshunt Major 9

Planning permission granted during plan period 3

TOTAL 32

Proposed Preferred Options consultation arrangements 3.4

3.4.1 Where the proposed allocations as set out in APPENDIX 1 are approved by Committee, a six week consultation period will be undertaken. To allow time for the

finalisation and printing of consultation material, and to align the consultation date

with other consultations being undertaken by the Council, it is proposed that the

consultation would run from Monday 15 August until Sunday 25 September 2016.

The consultation material would include the following;

The consultation document included in APPENDIX 1;

The Background Document included in APPENDIX 2;

The Sustainability Appraisal supporting the DPD;

A questionnaire seeking comments on the proposed site allocations;

Promotional material including an explanatory leaflet and posters.

3.4.2 The content of the proposed Consultation Document and Background Document are presented to the Planning and Licensing Committee for approval. It is requested that

the Committee agrees to final versions of these documents (including all graphics and

pictures), and the remaining consultation material, to be approved by the Director of

Planning and Regulatory Services, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-

Chairman of the Planning and Licensing Committee, prior to publication.

3.4.3 The six week consultation will be undertaken in accordance with the Council’s adopted Statement of Community Involvement. The consultation will also include the

arrangement of a Duty to Cooperate meeting with infrastructure providers and

neighbouring authorities, and a numbers of manned consultation events held in areas

Agenda Item no. 11

which will be impacted by the proposed allocations. Unmanned presentations will be

provided at all libraries throughout the District, and at the MDC Council Offices for

the duration of the consultation period.

Rural Allocations Working Group 3.5

3.5.1 The Planning Policy Team has been guided in the progression of the Travellers Site Allocations DPD by the Planning Policy Panel. To support the progression of work to

identify appropriate rural housing and employment allocations for preferred options

consultation later this year it is recommended that a working group is established to

allow Members affected by potential rural housing and employment allocations,

alongside selected members of the Planning and Licensing Committee, to participate

in a ‘Rural Allocations Working Group’ (RAWG). The RAWG would support and

guide the Planning Policy Team by exploring, considering and reviewing the

progression of work on the Site Allocations DPD in relation to rural housing and

employment.

3.5.2 The RAWG will not be empowered to take decisions, and the appointed membership will operate largely on an informal basis. Members not part of the appointed

membership can attend meetings of the RAWG upon invitation for a specific purpose

of contributing to a particular issue. Work presented to RAWG will be reported to the

Planning and Licensing Committee to provide updates on the progression of the

housing and employment elements of the Site Allocations DPD.

4. CONCLUSIONS

The sites proposed as traveller site allocations are the best performing sites available 4.1following a detailed assessment of all submitted sites. All allocated sites are

considered to be deliverable within the plan period, and will therefore ensure that the

Council is planning appropriately to meet the District’s needs for traveller sites up to

2028.

5. IMPACT ON CORPORATE GOALS

The preparation and implementation of the Traveller Site Allocations DPD supports 5.1corporate goals which underpin the Council’s vision for the District and in particular

protecting and shaping the District and balancing the future needs of the community

and meeting the housing needs of the District.

6. IMPLICATIONS

(i) Impact on Customers – Progressing the Traveller Site Allocations DPD will give customers (residents, landowners, agents, developers) greater certainty

over where the future development of the traveller sites will take place.

The Traveller Site Allocations DPD meets the District’s strategic need for

travellers pitches up to 2028, and therefore supports the progression of the

LDP.

Agenda Item no. 11

(ii) Impact on Equalities – The Traveller Site Allocations DPD assists in seeking to meet the needs of the travelling communities within the District.

(iii) Impact on Risk – Failure to progress the Traveller Site Allocations DPD, and therefore allocate for the traveller pitches needs of the District, could threaten

the progression and successful completion of the LDP examination.

Without traveller pitch allocation the Council cannot demonstrate a five year

supply of travellers pitches.

(iv) Impact on Resources (financial and human) – The production of the Traveller Site Allocations DPD is a significant resource demand on the

Planning Policy Team. There is currently available capacity in the Team to

progress the DPD at this time prior to further LDP examination hearing.

(v) Impact on the Environment – The allocation of appropriate sites for travellers pitches will reduce unplanned development in less sustainable

locations of the District. Allocating future development provides greater

opportunities to enhance the District’s environment alongside new

development.

Background Papers:

Enquiries to: Tim Parton, Spatial Planning Team Leader (Tel: 01621 876278).

Maldon District Council

Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document

Draft Background Paper: Methodology and Site Selection

August 2016

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Appendix 1

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Appendix 1

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Background

3.0 Stage 1 – Settlement Sustainability 3.1 Initial Screening

4.0 Stage2 – Potential Sites – The Long List 4.1 Site Selection Approach

5.0 Stage3 – Potential Sites – The Short List: Quantitative Assessment 5.1 Assessment of sites (Quantitative)

6.0 Stage 4 – Potential Sites – The Short List: Qualitative Assessment 6.1 Assessment of sites (Qualitative)

7.0 Stage 5 – Preferred Sites of Allocation 7.1 Potential Preferred Sites

Appendices Appendix 1: Call for sites pro-forma Appendix 2: Essex County Traveller Unit, Survey Results Appendix 3: Stage 3 Appraisal Matrix Criterion for Traveller Sites Appendix 4: Stage 3 Appraisal Matrix Results for Travellers Sites Appendix 5: Stage 4 Assessment of Travellers Sites Appendix 6: Stage 5 Assessment of Travellers Sites Appendix 7: Stage 5 Proposed Allocations Maps for Traveller Sites Appendix 8: Stages 1-5 Overall Assessment of Traveller Sites

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Appendix 1

1.0 Introduction

1.1 The Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) will identify the sites which are required to deliver the remaining objectively assessed need for Travellers identified in the emerging Maldon Local Development Plan (LDP) and supporting evidence base. The purpose of this document is to set out the selection criteria and methodology that was used to support identification of proposed allocations set out in the Traveller Site Allocation DPD Preferred Options consultation document.

1.2 The Local Development Scheme (February 2015) sets out the anticipated timetable for producing the Traveller Site Allocations DPD, however there have been approximately 6 months of delays in the publication of the document as a result of delays to the progression of the LDP.

2.0 Background

2.1 The NPPF states that to be considered deliverable, sites should be available now, offer a suitable location for development now, and be achievable with a realistic prospect that development will be delivered on the site, and in particular that development of the site is viable. Sites with planning permission should be considered deliverable until permission expires, unless there is clear evidence that schemes will not be implemented within the plan period, for example if they are not be viable, there is no longer a demand for the type of units or sites have long term phasing plans, etc.

2.2 To be considered developable, sites should be in a suitable location for development and there should be a reasonable prospect that the site is available and could be viably developed at the point envisaged.

Traveller Pitches 2.3 The Traveller site search will cover all areas of the district. The GTAA 2014

indicates a need to provide for 32 pitches up until 2028. As there has been planning permission granted for 3 pitches since April 2014, there is a residual need of 29 pitches to be allocated through the Traveller Site Allocations DPD. The details of the 3 sites with planning permission will be included in policy H6 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan.

2.4 During December 2015, the Essex County Traveller Unit were commissioned to undertake a number of surveys with the travelling community to understand whether there was any land available for further pitches and a willingness to intensify existing sites.

2.5 There were a number of options considered as part of the process in enabling the delivery of Traveller sites such as:- • Intensifying existing sites to accommodate further pitches;• Expanding existing sites to accommodate further pitches;• Assessing sites received via the ‘call for sites’• Assessing sites received via traveller interviews;• Looking at the potential to allocating sites as part of housing allocations.

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Appendix 1

3.0 Stage 1: Settlement Sustainability

3.1 Initial Screening

3.1.1 A similar 5 stage process is being carried out for both rural housing and rural employment allocations. As part of the assessment for housing and employment an initial screening of all rural settlements in the District was undertaken to assess the sustainability of the settlement and the ability to take further growth above a particular size threshold.

Travellers 3.1.2 Setting a size threshold for Traveller pitches is difficult as it is dependent upon

how many pitches are to be constructed, as well as if the pitch is a permanent or a transit pitch. The DCLG guidance on designing traveller sites1 recommends minimum requirements such as access roads, toilets etc, which could be reasonably expected that a permanent site of one pitch to be around 500sqm in size and a transit site to be around 250Sqm in size. The Essex County Traveller Unit have indicated that these sizes are more akin to public sites and that based upon their experience private traveller pitches tend to be around 300-400sqm each.

4.0 Stage 2: Potential Sites – the long list

4.1 The Long List

4.1.1 To ensure that all reasonable alternatives for potential sites have been considered in developing the Travellers Site Allocations DPD, a long list of potential sites was compiled from the following sources:

• Sites which have received planning permission for a travellers pitchsince 1 April 2014;

• Sites received via a ‘call for sites’ consultation held from September -October 2015;

• Any sites in and around settlements identified by Parish / TownCouncils through the questionnaire consultation held during August –October 2015. No sites were put forward within the submittedquestionnaires;

• Potential sites in and around settlements identified by Officers; and

1 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/11439/designinggypsysites.pdf

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Appendix 1

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/11439/designinggypsysites.pdf

• Sites identified through a questionnaire consultation undertaken withexisting travellers sites in the District in November 2015 (see Appendix2 for a summary of the consultation results);

Questionnaire Survey of Existing Traveller Sites

4.1.2 Each of the Traveller sites within the District have been assessed for their potential to expand and accommodate additional pitches. A survey was developed which asked of the Traveller’s perceived need for additional pitches, whether additional pitches could be accommodated on sites owned by the Traveller, and whether there was a willingness to develop their sites to provide additional Traveller pitches.

4.1.3 A view was taken from the 14 sites by Officers to assess their potential to intensify. Those sites where it was felt that there was no room to intensify were asked 3 questions related to the perceived need of the Traveller family and whether they owned additional sites which could accommodate Travellers and their willingness to develop.

4.1.4 Those sites which were believed could intensify were asked a long questionnaire consisting of 5 questions, which included the short survey and additional questions regarding whether they had a willingness to intensify their site and whether they would be willing to allow the pitches to be used by travellers unrelated to their family.

4.1.5 The ECTU outreach team carried out the interviews on site. As they have strong relations with Traveller families across the County, this puts them in a strong position to access the community, complete the interviews and receive accurate feedback.

4.1.6 Interviews of the Traveller sites were undertaken during November and December 2015. A total of 13 of the listed 14 sites were completed through a face to face interview, with one of the 13 surveys being completed over the phone as the site owner was away during the consultation period.

4.1.7 The ECTU felt that it was a robust survey to undertake interviews with the owner of the sites, rather than interviewing each resident of the site.

Traveller Survey Response

4.1.8 A total of 14 of the 15 sites participated in the survey. The remaining site (Two Acres, Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major) appeared vacant and derelict in the opinion of the researcher at the time of visiting. A summary of the responses received are as follows:

Question 1: Within the next 15 years, do you believe there will be a need to have more pitches for your family?

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Appendix 1

4.1.9 The purpose of this question was to assess the personal opinion of the need for further pitches. This response is purely aspirational and may incorporate factors such as assessing what the family needs as well as estimated need for the future. Other thoughts such as the ability to rent out further sites may have influenced the answer to this question which may not have been a result of actual need. The question is not designed to be based upon, and should not be confused with, a more technical analysis which would come from the assessment of population data and household formation undertaken in the Gypsy and Traveller Needs Assessment.

4.1.10 The responses of the survey identified an aspiration of 63 pitches in total being needed over the next 15 year period.

Question 2: How many additional pitches do you believe could be accommodated within the site currently?

4.1.11 The purpose of this question was to discover the capacity of individual sites to accommodate pitches. From the responses, it was estimated that there was capacity to deliver a total of 73 pitches.

4.1.12 This response was based purely on the opinion of the traveller without any assessment of the practicality and design of individual sites. Planning Guidance for the development of gypsy sites recommends an area in the region of 500sqm is sufficient to accommodate a static caravan, travelling caravan, toilet/shower facilities and a day room.

4.1.13 Although design guidance for traveller’s pitches recommend a site area of 500Sqm per pitch, the Planning Policy Team sought clarification from the ECTU on the average size of a traveller pitch in Essex which could be applied to Maldon District. The ECTU concluded that 500Sqm would be best practice although pitches on private sites can be as small as 300Sqm – 400Sqm. For the purpose of the Traveller Site Allocations DPD an area of 500Sqm has been used.

4.1.15 Using the Government guidance, and by assessing the area of a site with the average size of a pitch, it is estimated that there is a potential capacity of over 30 pitches on Traveller sites which have shown a willingness to intensify their sites.

Question 3: If the site was designated in the plan for gypsy and traveller accommodation, would you be willing to create more pitches on your sitei?

4.1.16 From the 14 respondents who were asked this question, 8 of the families were willing to create more pitches on their sites.

4.1.17 One of the families said that although they personally didn’t want to create more Traveller pitches on their site, they would be willing to sell up to 8 acres of land for another family to buy and develop for Traveller pitches.

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Appendix 1

Question 4: Would you be willing to share your site with other members of the travelling community if they weren’t part of your family?

4.1.18 From the Traveller families who were asked this question, only two of the families were willing to allow non-family members to access a pitch on their privately owned site. A total of 3 families wanted to ‘approve’ the non-family Traveller, with one site for extended family members only.

4.1.19 Although some respondents said that they would only make pitches available for their own family, this does not cause additional issues in allocating sites, as the need arising from Travellers in most circumstances will arise from the needs of the Traveller families already within the District. This should therefore not affect the deliverability of these sites.

Question 5: Do you own any land which you would be willing to place more traveller pitches on? If yes, where is this site located?

Would these pitches be just for your family or would you be willing to enable other travellers unrelated to you to locate there?

4.1.20 A total of 4 respondents owned land which could be potentially looked at for further sites,

4.1.21 The table showing the result of the survey are shown in Appendix 2

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Appendix 1

5.0 Stage 3: Potential Sites – the short list (Quantitative)

5.1 All Traveller sites progressed to stage 3. As part of stage 3 the sites were assessed for their sustainability against the matrix for Travellers as shown in Appendix 3.

Assessment of sites on the short list

Suitability

5.2 The criteria for assessing sites for Travellers are set out in Appendix 3. The criteria covers potential impacts including the effect upon landscapes, natural and heritage conservation as well as physical limitations or problems such as access, infrastructure, ground conditions, flood risk, hazardous risks, pollution or contamination. A colour coding system was used to identify the severity of any constraints as shown below.

Assessment Definition No constraints identified, development acceptable in

principle or development would have a positive impact

- Neutral impact or there may be constraints, but mitigation is possible

Significant constraints, although mitigation should be possible

Severe constraints where mitigation is unlikely to be possible and development is probably unacceptable

5.3 A site that has been assessed as having a number of constraints shown by a single cross () is not necessarily unsuitable; it just means that mitigation measures will be required. In some cases however this may have an impact on viability and therefore achievability. Sites with a double cross () have more severe constraints and are therefore more likely to be unsuitable and unlikely to be deliverable within the plan period.

5.4 It is important to note that not all criteria are of the same significance so the assessment should not be used alone to rank the sites into those that are most suitable. It does however act as a useful guide.

Availability 5.5 The National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) advises that a site is

considered available for development, when, on the best information available (confirmed by the call for sites and information from land owners and legal searches where appropriate), there is confidence that there are no legal or ownership problems, such as unresolved multiple ownerships, ransom strips, tenancies or operational requirements of landowners. Site landowners or promoters were asked to confirm this availability.

Achievability 5.6 The National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) advises that a site is

considered achievable for development where there is a reasonable prospect

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Appendix 1

that the particular type of development will be developed on the site at a particular point in time. This is essentially a judgement about the economic viability of a site, and the capacity of the developer to complete and let or sell the development over a certain period. Site landowners or promoters were asked to confirm this achievability.

Site Selection 5.7 The assessment of Traveller sites using the matrix is included in the

assessment for Allocations Spreadsheet for Traveller sites as shown in Appendix 4. This is a purely quantitative assessment.

5.8 Sites were only taken forward to the next stage of the plan making process as potential allocations if, following the assessments outlined above, they scored well in terms of suitability, availability and achievability.

5.9 Details of the reasoning of a site not getting through the Stage 3 Assessment was then detailed in the Traveller ‘Stages1-5 Assessment of allocations’ spreadsheet in Appendix 8

6.0 Stage 4: Potential Sites - the short list (Qualitative)

6.1 Under this stage each of the sites were assessed for their qualitative impact which covered more subjective issues such as impact on landscape, heritage, capacity in sewerage, GP’s and education, etc.

6.2 Sites were also referred to other departments and statutory bodies (internally and externally) to assess the appropriateness of the proposed allocations.

6.3 Under this stage where there was a judgement made by an officer that development should not take place for reasons such as landscape, highways, etc., these sites were discounted from proceeding to Stage 5. The assessment of sites in this stage is listed in Appendix 5, with reasoning as to why they progressed or were not selected.

6.4 Any sites getting through this stage proceeded to Stage 5 for potential allocation.

7.0 Stage 5: Preferred Sites for Allocation

7.1 Under this stage the final list of sites for Travellers were known and are attached at Appendix 6.

7.2 At stage 5 the best performing Traveller sites have been put forward, these are also dependent on the site’s ability to meet the criteria of Policy H6, such as distributing traveller sites, and ensuring that the intensification of any sites does not lead to detriment to the environment, landscape or capacity in infrastructure (highways, schools, waste water etc.).

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Appendix 1

7.3 The preferred sites will undergo a statutory 6 week public consultation process as part of the Traveller Site Allocations DPD.

Preferred Options 7.4 The preferred options document has been published and approved by Maldon

District Council for consultation. The consultation is being carried out in accordance with Regulation 18 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 which provides for the consultation of supporting documents such as the Sustainability Appraisal and any associated evidence base and the consultation with statutory bodies.

7.5 Once submissions are received during the 6 week consultation process, each response will be assessed as to whether there are any amendments, changes or further work needed for the Traveller Site Allocations DPD.

7.6 Further work associated with this consultation will be published in an updated Background Paper as the Traveller Site Allocations DPD progresses through the required stages.

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Appendix 1

Appendix 1 – Call for sites proforma

Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) - Call for Sites

Proformas and maps should be submitted to [email protected] or sent by post to Planning Policy, Maldon District Council, Princes Road, Maldon CM9

5DL. Any sites should be submitted to the Council by 31st October 2015.

Site Address (Please complete a separate form for each site) Area (Hectares)

What type of development is the site being put forward for? (e.g. residential/employment/mixed use)

☐ Travellers Site☐ Housing☐ Employment

☐ Mixed Use (Please Specify)

Please return the questionnaire with one or more Ordnance Survey (OS) Plan(s) that includes the following information:

The site that is being put forward for development marked in RED. ☐ Land ownership details marked in BLUE. (clearly indicating any changes in land ownership) ☐ Type and location of any existing use(s) on the site and whether any of the existing use(s) would continue to operate from the site. ☐ If the site is located within or adjacent to a Conservation Area or Listed Building, please indicate this on a plan as this could influence the density/type/cost of the building materials etc.

☐

Where would access be achieved from and are there any land ownership issues associated with the potential access? ☐ Is the site adjacent to an adopted or unadopted road, i.e. a ☐

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Appendix 1

private road that has not been adopted by the highway authority? Please provide details along with the width of the road. Details of the existing pedestrian footways from the site to the local facilities (shops, school etc.) and any improvements that might be required.

☐

Location of the nearest gas/electricity and water supply to the site (if known). ☐

Site Assessment:

(1)

Is the site is in multiple ownership? Yes ☐ No ☐If yes, please give details of ownership and the list all of the owners:

(2)

Is the site vacant? Is the site occupied? Is the site partly occupied?

☐ ☐ ☐ If occupied or partly occupied, please provide details of the existing use:

(3)

If the site is considered to be suitable for development, would all or part of the existing use remain in occupation?

Yes (all) ☐

Yes (part) ☐No ☐

If yes, what would be the timetable for the existing use to cease?

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Appendix 1

(4)

Are there any covenants or financial implications that you are aware of that may influence whether the site would be available for development?

Yes ☐No /

Don’t Know

☐ If yes, please give details:

(5)

Is the site connected to utilities infrastructure? (Water, Sewerage, Gas, Electricity, ‘Superfast’ Broadband Internet)

Yes ☐ No ☐

If yes, please specify:

(6)

Have any discussions already taken place with utilities companies? Yes ☐ No ☐

If yes, please provide copies of correspondence (as an attachment).

(7)

Are there other restrictions on the site, e.g. grazing licences or any other requirements that you are aware of that would need to be satisfied to bring the site forward for development?

Yes ☐No /

Don’t Know


(8)

Are you aware of any abnormal costs associated with bringing forward this site for development, e.g. contaminated land? Yes ☐

No / Don’t Know

☐

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Appendix 1

If yes, please give details:

(9)

If the site was considered for development by the local planning authority what would you consider to be the timeframe for bringing this site forward for development?

0-5 years 5-10 years 10-15 years 15-20 years Over 20 years

☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

(10)

What have you considered in your assessment for releasing this site for development in terms of financial contributions?

Affordable housing

☐

Education contributions

☐

Contributions towards play/open space

☐

Please list any other financial contributions or infrastructure that you have allowed for:

(11)

What is the distance of the site from the nearest settlement?

(14) How far walking distance is the site from a designated bus stop?

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(15)

How frequent is the bus, e.g. hourly, daily?

(16)

Is there any other information that has not been covered by the above that the Local Planning Authority should be aware of?

Yes

☐ No


Your Contact Details

Name:

Organisation & Address (including postcode):

Telephone No:

Email Address:

Are you an agent: Yes No If yes, are you acting on behalf of the owner or a third party?

Owner Third Party

If yes, please give details:

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Appendix 1

Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5Plot No/ identifier for

multiple surveysConfirm site

boundaryOwn/rent 15 yr family

pitch needNo. which could be on existing

site

Willing to create more

pitches on site

Willing to share with non family members

Do you own other land in MDC for new

sites

Willing to share with non family members -

comments

H6(c) The Oaks, Lea Lane, Great Braxted 3 Long Survey 1 ok own 12 12 Yes Yes No na

H6(d)Land at Broomfields Farm, Lea Lane, Great Braxted

1 Long Survey 1 ok own 3 3 Yes No - extended family onlyYes - 2a The Orchards, Lea

Lane

Only if vetted and approved by landowner

4 ok own 4 4 Yes Only if vetted by owner No na3 ok own 3 3 Yes No No na2 ok own 1 3 Yes Only if vetted by owner Yes na1 ok own 2 3 Yes No No na

H6(f)The Stables, Colchester Road, Great Totham

1 Long Survey 1 ok own 0 0 No No No8 acres of existing 10 could be purchased to

develop new plots.

H6(g)Two Acres, Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major

1 Long Survey 0 na na 0 na na na na site appears derelict / unoccupied

H6(h)The Birches, Cherry Blossom Lane, Cold Norton

3 Short Survey 1 ok own 0 No na

H6(i)The Poplars, Cherry Blossom Lane, Cold Norton


H6(j)New Redgates Farm, Farmbridge Road, Purleigh


South of lane ok own 5

North of lane ok own 3 0 No No No na

H6(l)Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little Totham

1 Long Survey 1 ok own 4 10 Yes Only if vetted by owner No na

Loft ok own 2 No Appeal in progressTwo Elms ok own 0 No naHomelea ok own 2 No na

na ok own 5Yes - Oakley, Brickhouse

RoadNo

H6(n) Eaglefield, Plains Road, Little Totham 1 Long Survey 1 ok own 0 0 No No No na

H6(o)Land opposite Heath Farm, Tolleshunt D’Arcy

1 Long Survey 1 ok own 4 10 No No No na

H6(p) Captain’s Wood Road, Great Totham 1 Long Survey 1 ok own 3 5 Yes No No na

New Sheepcoates Lane, Gt Totham, CM9 tba Long Survey 1 ok own 6 30 Yes YesYes - Gt Totham & Bicnacre

Yes

Total 21 21 21 63 73 9 5 (3 only if vetted by the owner) 5

H6(m)

Homelea, Two Elms and the Loft, Brick House Road, Tolleshunt Major

4 Short Survey 4

H6(k) Post Office Lane, Little Totham 4 Long Survey 2

Q6

H6(e) The Orchards, Lea Lane, Great Braxted 7 Long Survey 4

Ref Site Name Pitches Long / Short Survey No. of Surveys completed

Q1

Appendix 2 –Essex County Traveller Unit, Survey Results

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Appendix 1

Appendix 3 – Stage 3 Appraisal Matrix Criterion for Travellers Sites

Assessment Definition No constraints identified, development acceptable in principle or

development would have a positive impact - Neutral impact or there may be constraints, but mitigation is

possible Significant constraints, although mitigation should be possible within

the plan period Significant constraints where mitigation is unlikely to be possible

and development is probably unacceptable with the plan period

SA TOPIC SA OBJECTIVE DECISION MAKING CRITERIA SYMBOL SUITABILITY 1. Accessibility To improve accessibility and

transport links from residential areas to key services, facilities and employment areas and enhance access to the natural environment and recreation opportunities

1.1 Access to settlement facilities 1.1.1 Good and easy pedestrian and cycle access to the services of the settlement

1.1.2 Access to the services of the settlement by cyclists and pedestrians is possible, but with barriers e.g. need to cross a main road2, no footpaths etc

-

1.1.3 Safe access to the settlement is predominantly dependent upon the car.

1.1.4 Site is landlocked 1.2 Access to public transport

1.2.1 Within safe walking distance (400m) to public transport to a ‘main settlement3’ with at least a 1 an hour frequency during peak times Monday – Saturday

2 Main Road is defined as the A414, B1018, B1019 3 A Main Settlement is defined by Policy S8 of the Emerging Local Plan: Burnham-on-Crouch, Heybridge and Maldon and the following surrounding main settlements in neighbouring areas: South Woodham Ferrers, Danbury, Witham, and Hatfield Peverel.

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SA TOPIC SA OBJECTIVE DECISION MAKING CRITERIA SYMBOL 1.2.2 Within 800m walk to public transport to a ‘main settlement,’ or greater than an hourly frequency during peak times Monday-Saturday

-

1.2.3 None or limited accessibility by public transport Housing Ensure that new housing

provided meets the needs of the area, provide affordable and decent housing for all

All sites are likely to offer similar opportunities to meet this objective; it is not therefore a criterion for choosing between sites.

N/A

2. Health: Improve overall levels of physical, mental and social well-being, and reduce the disparities between different groups and different areas

2.1 Recreational facilities: 2.1.1 Not result in the loss of any indoor or outdoor sporting or recreational facilities

2.1.2 Result in the loss existing indoor or outdoor sporting or recreational facilities, including allotment land.

2.2 Health and Safety: 2.2.1 Not within a specified consultation zone of a notifiable installation (Health and Safety Executive)

2.2.2 The site is partly within a specified consultation zone of a notifiable installation (Health and Safety Executive)

2.2.3 The site is entirely within a specified consultation zone of a notifiable installation (Health and Safety Executive)

Crime To improve community safety, reduce the incidences of crime and the fear of crime - a safe place to live


N/A

3. Community: Value and nurture a sense ofbelonging in a cohesive community whilst respecting diversity and encouraging vibrant communities.

3.1 Community facilities

3.1.1 Site will have no specific impact on community facilities other than those specified by Criterion 2.1 (e.g. village halls, community centres, scout huts, church etc.)

3.1.2 Development would result in the loss of a community facility

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SA TOPIC SA OBJECTIVE DECISION MAKING CRITERIA SYMBOL 3.2 Impact on existing community 3.2.1 The number of pitches relates appropriately to the circumstances of the specific size and location of the site and the surrounding population’s size and density.

3.2.2 The number of pitches does not relate appropriately to the circumstances of the specific size and location of the site and the surrounding population’s size and density.

3.2.3 The number of pitches does not relate appropriately to the circumstances of the specific size and location of the site and the surrounding population’s size and density, and does not promote peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community.

Skills To improve overall levels of education and skills

Not relevant to this assessment. It will not assist in choosing between sites.

N/A

4. Liveability: To create healthy, clean andpleasant environments for people to enjoy living, working and recreating in and to protect and enhance residential amenity.

4.1 Liveability 4.1.1 Local occupiers likely to suffer no or minor disturbance from noise or odour, but generally the impact is low and the proposed housing use will complement with existing activities and uses

-

4.1.2 Local occupiers exposed to significant noise and odour impacts, but such uses are established and believed to not give rise to nuisance complaints or perceived dangers to health

4.1.3 Significant adverse environmental impact as a result of noise and/or odour which is likely to give rise nuisance complaints

4.2 Residential amenity 4.2.1 Development would be positive to the existing surrounding residential amenity by removing disruptive features associated with the current use(s) of the site. (e.g. noise and or odour; disruptive to the existing residential amenity or surrounding vehicular or pedestrian traffic)

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SA TOPIC SA OBJECTIVE DECISION MAKING CRITERIA SYMBOL 4.2.2 Site has no known effect on the existing surrounding residential amenity

-

5. Biodiversity: To protect, conserve and enhance biodiversity, geodiversity, wildlife habitats and green infrastructure to achieve a net gain and to avoid habitat fragmentation

5.1.1 Have no effect on any designated site4 or known protected species.

5.1.2 Constraints identified although it may be possible for some development with appropriate mitigation.

-

5.1.3 Significant constraints such that it is not considered appropriate for development to take place; or Lead to permanent disturbance of known protected species and extensive land take of their habitat or significant impact on SSSIs, Natura 2000 sites; or Fragment acknowledged areas of habitat

6. Landscape: To protect and enhance the quality, character and local distinctiveness of the natural and cultural landscape and the built environment

6.1 Existing form of the settlement:

6.1.1 The site is within the existing built up area of the settlement as defined by the development boundary

6.1.2 The site is outside the development boundary and is bordered on 2 or three sides by the built up area5 of the settlement

-

6.1.3 The site is outside the development boundary and is bordered on one side by built up area of the settlement; or The site is outside the development boundary and is detached from the existing built up area of the settlement

6.2 Landscape Sensitivity6 6.2.1 The site is within an area identified as having ‘low’ sensitivity for landscape change

4 A designated site includes all international, national and local sites such as Ramsar, Natura 2000 sites, SAC, SPA, SINC, LWS etc 5 The ‘built up area’ of the settlement is the nucleus or core of the settlement and does not include isolated or sporadic development on the outskirts of the settlement. 6 Landscape sensitivity to change is derived from Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford Landscape Character Assessment, Chris Blanford Associates 2006.

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SA TOPIC SA OBJECTIVE DECISION MAKING CRITERIA SYMBOL 6.2.2 The site is within an area identified as having ‘Medium’ sensitivity for landscape change

-

6.2.3 The site is within an area identified as having ‘high’ sensitivity for landscape change

7. Cultural Heritage:

Protect and enhance sites, features and areas of historical, archaeological, architectural and artistic interest and their settings

7.1 Cultural Heritage 7.1.1 Development would be positive by enhancing a designated site or heritage asset (e.g. removing unattractive features or ensuring the survival of a designated site)

7.1.2 Have no effect on a designated site or heritage asset - 7.1.3 Some effects or constraints identified although it may be possible for some development with appropriate mitigation (e.g. close to a listed building or other designated site)

7.1.4 Significant constraints such that it is not considered appropriate for development to take place (e.g. development on a SAM, demolition of a listed building)

7.2 Archaeology 7.2.1 Site has no archaeology or archaeological activity or the site has had archaeology excavated in advance of current buildings or previous quarrying practices.

7.2.2 No known archaeology or archaeological activity. Site may have some potential for activity but the area has never been archaeologically investigated.

-

7.2.3 Site has real potential for archaeological activity due to any visual features found on the land (e.g. cropmarks, significant artefact finds, etc.)

7.2.4 Site has significant archaeological activity such that it is not considered appropriate for development to take place

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SA TOPIC SA OBJECTIVE DECISION MAKING CRITERIA SYMBOL Climate Change

Reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and the impact of climate change (adaptation)


N/A

8. Air To maintain or improve local air quality

8.1.1 Have no ‘detrimental effect’7 on air quality 8.1.2 Have some detrimental effects on air quality, but mitigation would be possible;

8.1.3 Have significant detrimental effects on air quality, with mitigation not being possible.

9. Water: Maintain or improve the quality of ground and surface water resources and minimise the demand for water

9.1.1 Be located predominantly on a sand and gravel strata 9.1.2 Be located on an alluvial or London Clay strata -

10.NaturalHazard:

Reduce the impact of flooding and avoid additional risk

10.1.1 The site is outside a designated flood zone 2 or 3 with minimal impact upon areas which are subject to surface water flooding

10.1.2 The site is outside a designated flood zone 2 or 3, within a known area of surface water flooding

-

10.1.3 The site is entirely located in a known area of surface water flooding; and/or The site is partly or entirely located within a Zone 2 flood risk area; and/ or The site is partly affected by a Zone 3 flood risk area.

10.1.4 The site is entirely located within a Zone 3 flood risk area

11. Soil andLand:

Encourage the use of brownfield land and ensure

11.1 Use of existing land 11.1.2 Site involves the intensification of an existing traveller site

7 In order to be classified as ‘detrimental’ the development of the site would be very likely to lead to the further exacerbation of an existing Air Quality Management Area, or lead to the designation of a new Air Quality Management Area

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SA TOPIC SA OBJECTIVE DECISION MAKING CRITERIA SYMBOL the efficient use of land and maintain the resource of productive soil

11.1.3 Site involves the expansion of an existing traveller site or the provision of a new traveller site

-

11.2 Agricultural land: 11.2.1 The site does not contain any high quality8 agricultural land 11.2.2 Part of the site contains high quality agricultural land - 11.2.3 The site is entirely high quality agricultural land 11.3 Land Stability: 11.3.1 There are no known land stability issues in the area 11.3.2 There are known land stability issues in the area

12. Minerals Ensure the efficient use of minerals and primary resources

12.1.1 The site is located outside of the 250m consultation buffer for minerals safeguarding areas or allocated sites as stated in the Essex Minerals Local Plan or is less in area than:

• 5ha of more for sand and gravel • 3ha or more for chalk • Greater than 1 dwelling for brick earth or clay

12.1.2 The site is partially located on a land within the 250m buffer for land allocated/ safeguarded for mineral extraction as stated in the Essex Minerals Local Plan where mitigation may be possible and that the site is greater in area than:

• 5ha of more for sand and gravel • 3ha or more for chalk and gravel • Greater than 1 dwelling for brick earth or clay

12.1.3 The site is entirely located on land allocated/ safeguarded for mineral extraction in the Essex Minerals Local Plan and would cause detrimental effects by sterilising land for mineral extraction during the plan period

Energy Use To mitigate climate change All sites are likely to offer similar opportunities to meet this objective; it N/A

8 High Quality agricultural land is defined as grades 1 (excellent), 2 (Very Good), and 3a (Good) of the Agricultural Land Classification

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SA TOPIC SA OBJECTIVE DECISION MAKING CRITERIA SYMBOL by minimising carbon based energy usage by increasing energy efficiency and to develop Maldon’s renewable energy resource, reducing dependency on non-renewable resources.

is therefore not a criterion for choosing between sites

13. Waste To reduce waste arising and increase reuse, recycling and composting

13.1.1 The site is located outside of land allocated/ safeguarded for waste infrastructure as stated in the Essex Waste Local Plan

13.1.2 The site is partially located on a land allocated/ safeguarded for waste as in the Essex Waste Local Plan.

13.1.3 The site is entirely located on land allocated/ safeguarded for waste extraction in the Essex Waste Local Plan and would cause detrimental effects by sterilising land for waste infrastructure during the plan period

14. WasteWater capacity

14.1.1 Site is located in a catchment area which has waste water capacity and no need for upgrade

14.1.2 Site is located in a catchment area which has limited waste water capacity, or no capacity but an upgrade to the existing capacity is highly likely within the plan period

14.1.3 The site is located within a catchment area where there is no waste water capacity and significant upgrades to waste water capacity are needed, however and this is unlikely to occur within the plan period; or there is no connection to waste water

15. Employment

Maintain and enhance employment opportunities and to reduce the disparities arising from unequal access to jobs

15.1.1 Site will have no impact on employment provision

15.1.2 Development on the site will result in the loss of employment DRAFT

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SA TOPIC SA OBJECTIVE DECISION MAKING CRITERIA SYMBOL Wealth Creation

Retain and enhance the factors which are conducive to wealth creation, including personal creativity, infrastructure and the local strengths and qualities that are attractive to visitors and investors


N/A

Town Centres Protect and enhance the vitality and viability of town centres and market towns


N/A

PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS 16.1 Physical Constraints:

16.1.1 The site has no obvious physical constraints

16.1.2 The site has constraints such as steep slopes, pylons, TPO’s, contaminated land etc. which may affect the site’s developability

16.2 Ease of utility provision: 16.2.1 Very easy to service 16.2.2 Easy, average or moderately easy -16.2.3 Least easy to service 16.3 Existing Use: 16.3.1 Site is vacant with no current active use 16.3.2 Site is in current active use -16.3.3 Site is in current active use which may need to be relocated. 16.4 Vehicular access: 16.4.1 Site would contain vehicular access which would have considerable benefits to existing road conditions/ constraints

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SA TOPIC SA OBJECTIVE DECISION MAKING CRITERIA SYMBOL 16.4.2 Vehicular access would be suitable with no known constraints -16.4.3 Vehicular access unsuitable and/ or restrictive but possible though effective mitigation

17. AVAILABILITYN/A N/A 17.1.1 The site is held by a developer or landowner willing to develop

or the site already has planning permission

17.1.2 Ownership is unknown -

17.1.3 Site is known to be in complex or multiple ownership 17.1.4 Site is owned by a landowner who is known to be unwilling to develop their land.

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Appendix 1

1.1.1

1.1.2

1.1.3

1.1.4

1.2.1

1.2.2

1.2.3

2.1.1

2.1.2

2.2.1

2.2.2

2.2.3

3.1.1

3.1.2

3.2.1

3.2.2

3.2.3

4.1.1

4.1.2

4.1.3

4.2.1

4.2.2

5.1.1

5.1.2

6.1.1

6.1.2

6.1.3

6.2.1

6.2.2

6.2.3

7.1.1

7.1.2

7.1.3

7.1.4

7.2.1

7.2.2

7.2.3

7.2.4

8.1.1

8.1.2

8.1.3

9.1.1

9.1.2

10.1.1

10.1.2

10.1.3

10.1.4

11.1.1

11.1.2

11.2.1

11.2.2

11.2.3

11.3.1

11.3.2

12.1.3

12.1.2

12.1.3

13.1.1

13.1.2

13.1.3

14.1.1

14.1.2

14.1.3

12.1.1

12.1.2

16.1.1

16.1.2

16.2.1

16.2.2

16.2.3

16.3.1

16.23.

16.3.3

16.4.1

16.4.2

16.4.3

17.1.1

17.1.2

17.1.3

17.1.4

Area (ha) Matrix Id

Site Address

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

0.38 H6(c) The Oaks, Lea Lane, Great Braxted - - - - - - - - - - - 0.87 H6(d) Land at Broomfields Farm, Lea Lane, Great Braxted - - - - - - - - - - 1.73 H6(e) The Orchards, Lea Lane, Great Braxted - - - - - - - - - - 0.31 H6(f) Land adjacent the The Stables, Colchester Road, Grea - - - - - - - - - - - 0.96 H6(l) Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little Totham - - - - - - - - - 1.05 H6(p) Captain’s Wood Road, Great Totham - - - - - - - - - - - 3.42 H6 (q) Old Orchard Barn, Great Braxted - - - - - - - - - - - 0.95 H6 (t) 10 The Brambles Foxhall Road, Southminster CM0 7LB - - - - - - - - - -1.62 H6 (u) Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major - - - - - - - - - - - -

16. Physical Limitations Physical Constraints - Utility provision - Existing

use - Access14. Availability

6. Landscape Visual landscape, Existing town form, Character and

setting

10.Natural Hazard15.

Employment

9. Water Quality 12. Minerals

7.Cultural Heritage Cultural heritage & archaeology 8. Air Quality 13. Waste

14. Waste Water

Capacity

11. Soil and LandAgricultural land, Brownfield land,

Land stability and Land Contamination

5.Biodiversity

Sensitivity and site

type

Travellers Sustainability Matrix

2. HealthRecreation, Health &

Safety

4.Liveability Noise and amenity1. Accessibility 3. Community

Appendix 4 – Stage 3 Appraisal Matrix Results for Traveller Sites

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Appendix 1

Appendix 5 – Stage 4 Assessment of Traveller Sites

Matrix Id Site Address - Sum

Total (- ) Reason to Discount

H6(f) Land adjacent the The Stables, Colchester Road, Great Totham 14 11 3 0 28 11 H6 (u) Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major 12 12 4 0 28 8 H6(l) Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little Totham 13 9 6 0 28 7 H6(p) Captain’s Wood Road, Great Totham 12 11 5 0 28 7 Landscape Comments H6(d) Land at Broomfields Farm, Lea Lane, Great Braxted 12 10 6 0 28 6 Landscape Comments H6 (t) 10 The Brambles Foxhall Road Southminster CM0 7LB 12 10 6 0 28 6 H6(c) The Oaks, Lea Lane, Great Braxted 11 11 6 0 28 5 Landscape Comments

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Appendix 1

Appendix 6 – Stage 4 Assessment of Traveller Sites, Heritage Comments

Matrix Id Site Address Heritage comments H6(f) Land adjacent the The Stables, Colchester Road, Great

Totham No impact on any designated heritage assets

H6 (u) Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major No impact on any designated heritage assets H6(l) Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little Totham No impact on any designated heritage assets H6(p) Captain’s Wood Road, Great Totham No impact on any designated heritage assets H6(d) Land at Broomfields Farm, Lea Lane, Great Braxted No impact on any designated heritage assets H6 (t) 10 The Brambles Foxhall Road Southminster CM0 7LB No impact on any designated heritage assets H6(c) The Oaks, Lea Lane, Great Braxted No impact on any designated heritage assets

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Appendix 1

Appendix 5 – Stage 4 Assessment of Traveller Sites, SuDS Comments

Matrix Id Site Address SUDS comments

H6(f) Land adjacent the The Stables, Colchester Road, Great Totham

H6 (u) Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major H6(l) Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little Totham H6(p) Captain’s Wood Road, Great Totham H6(d) Land at Broomfields Farm, Lea Lane, Great Braxted H6 (t) 10 The Brambles Foxhall Road Southminster CM0 7LB The southern part of this site is shown to be at risk of flooding in both 1 in

30 and 1 in 100 events from surface water according to the EA Updated Flood Map for Surface Water. It is strongly recommended that any development actions on this site do not exacerbate the existing risk of surface water flooding and flood risk management infrastructure should be installed to accommodate the impact of any development.

H6(c) The Oaks, Lea Lane, Great Braxted

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Appendix 1

Appendix 5 – Stage 4 Assessment of Traveller Sites, Landscape Comments

Matrix Id Site Address Landscape comments


Totham Wooded Farmland character - wooded ridges and hillsides; small to medium agricultural fields; ancient woodlands; irregular field pattern; more open landscape towards Great Totham makes prospective development more visible; reduced sense of place due to scattered development; Colchester Road impacts on tranquillity; Site on open, rising land so potential for visibility over a wide area; potential for dwellings on a smaller land parcel i.e. just The Stables not the land adjacent , well screened from the open countryside.

H6 (u) Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major

Tolleshunt Coastal Farmland - gently undulating, tall hedgerows, small scale settlement; characterised by quiet lanes and isolated farmsteads; strong sense of place and tranquillity; generally open landscape due to hedgerow loss; moderate - high sensitivity to change; proposed development not in keeping with settlement pattern but some opportunity for development providing hedgerows are conserved and enhanced

H6(l) Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little Totham

Tolleshunt Coastal Farmland - gently undulating, tall hedgerows, small scale settlement; characterised by quiet lanes and isolated farmsteads; strong sense of place and tranquillity; generally open landscape due to hedgerow loss; moderate - high sensitivity to change; opportunity for some development providing on site copses and boundary hedgerows are conserved and enhanced.

H6(p) Captain’s Wood Road, Great Totham

Totham Wooded Farmland character - wooded ridges and hillsides; small to medium agricultural fields; ancient woodlands; irregular field pattern; intimate and enclosed; strong sense of place, tranquillity and isolation; woodlands, boundary ditches and hedgerows of landscape and eco importance; dispersed settlement; high sensitivity to land use change and impact on tranquillity; this site is onand not suitable for development of multiple dwellings

H6(d) Land at Broomfields Farm, Lea Lane, Great Braxted

Totham Wooded Farmland character - wooded ridges and hillsides; small to medium agricultural fields; ancient woodlands; irregular field pattern; intimate and enclosed; strong sense of place, tranquillity and isolation; woodlands, boundary ditches and hedgerows of landscape and eco importance; dispersed settlement; high sensitivity to land use change and impact on tranquillity; Not suitable for development of multiple dwellings DRAFT

Appendix 1

Matrix Id Site Address Landscape comments

H6 (t) 10 The Brambles Foxhall Road Southminster CM0 7LB

Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal Farmland: distinctive long hedgerowboundaries; gently undulating arable farmland; moderate sense of tranquillity; moderate sensitivity to change; proposed development not in keeping with settlement pattern but some opportunity for development providing distinctive hedgerows are conserved and enhanced.

H6(c) The Oaks, Lea Lane, Great Braxted

Totham Wooded Farmland character - wooded ridges and hillsides; small to medium agricultural fields; ancient woodlands; irregular field pattern; intimate and enclosed; strong sense of place, tranquillity and isolation; woodlands, boundary ditches and hedgerows of landscape and eco importance; dispersed settlement; high sensitivity to land use change and impact on tranquillity; Not suitable for development of multiple dwellings

DRAFT

Appendix 1

Appendix 5 – Stage 4 Assessment of Traveller Sites, Minerals Comments Matrix Id Site Address Minerals comments


As Mineral Authority we can conclude that the assessment identified no sites that we would be seeking the developer to provide a Minerals

Resource Assessment (MRA).

H6 (u) Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major H6(l) Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little Totham H6(p) Captain’s Wood Road, Great Totham H6(d) Land at Broomfields Farm, Lea Lane, Great Braxted H6 (t) 10 The Brambles Foxhall Road Southminster CM0 7LB H6(c) The Oaks, Lea Lane, Great Braxted

DRAFT

Appendix 1

Appendix 5 – Stage 4 Assessment of Traveller Sites, Archaeology Comments

Matrix Id Site Address Archaeology Comments H6(f) Land adjacent the The Stables, Colchester Road, Great Totham H6 (u) Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major H6(l) Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little Totham No known historic environment impacts H6(p) Captain’s Wood Road, Great Totham No known historic environment impacts

H6(d) Land at Broomfields Farm, Lea Lane, Great Braxted

Historic Environment Record site HER19559 recorded for this location. This is however a back-filled bomb crater, so no surviving archaeology anticipated. Recommendation: 7.2.1 - Site has no archaeology or archaeological activity or the site has had archaeology excavated in advance of current buildings or previous quarrying practices.

H6 (t) 10 The Brambles Foxhall Road Southminster CM0 7LB No known historic environment impacts H6(c) The Oaks, Lea Lane, Great Braxted No known historic environment impacts

DRAFT

Appendix 1

Appendix 5 – Stage 4 Assessment of Traveller Sites, Environmental Health Comments

Matrix Id Site Address Environmental Health Comments

H6(f) Land adjacent the The Stables, Colchester Road, Great Totham Requirement for suitable and sufficient foul and surface water drainage schemes

H6 (u) Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major

Need further information regarding exact location and whether any commercial activity in the area but requirement for suitable and sufficient foul and surface water drainage schemes and contaminated land investigations depending on exact location.

H6(l) Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little Totham Requirement for suitable and sufficient foul and surface water drainage schemes and contaminated land investigations depending on exact location

H6(p) Captain’s Wood Road, Great Totham Requirement for suitable and sufficient foul and surface water drainage schemes and contaminated land investigations depending on exact location

H6(d) Land at Broomfields Farm, Lea Lane, Great Braxted Requirement for suitable and sufficient foul and surface water drainage schemes and contaminated land investigations depending on exact location

H6 (t) 10 The Brambles Foxhall Road Southminster CM0 7LB Requirement for suitable and sufficient foul and surface water drainage schemes and contaminated land investigations. May be some conflict between residential and current commercial use if it was to continue

H6(c) The Oaks, Lea Lane, Great Braxted Requirement for suitable and sufficient foul and surface water drainage schemes and contaminated land investigations

DRAFT

Appendix 1

Appendix 5 – Stage 4 Assessment of Traveller Sites, Highways Comments

Matrix Id

Site Address Highways comments

H6(f) Land adjacent the The Stables, Colchester Road, Great Totham Good access onto Colchester Rd unlikely to be any issues with further pitches.

H6(l) Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little Totham Possible visibility issues may limit or prevent further pitches on site. H6(p) Captain’s Wood Road, Great Totham Possible visibility issues may limit or prevent further pitches on site. H6(d) Land at Broomfields Farm, Lea Lane, Great Braxted Unlikely to be any issues with further pitches. h6 (t) 10 The Brambles Foxhall Road Steeple CM0 7LB Possible visibility issues in both directions may prevent pitches on site.

H6(c) The Oaks, Lea Lane, Great Braxted Possible visibility issues with the proximity to the bend to the west of the access may limit or prevent further pitches on site.

H6(u) Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major Ok in principle subject to safe access being achieved - probable removal of hedge to create appropriate visibility splays.

no need for highway policy Site specific highway policy Ruled out at Stage 4

DRAFT

Appendix 1

Appendix 6 - Stage 5 Assessment of Traveller Sites

Matrix ID

Site Area (ha)

Site Address - Total ( - ) Proposed Nº of Pitches

Existing Nº of Pitches

Approximate Total Nº Pitches

Comments

H6 (f) 2.88 Land adjacent the The Stables, Colchester Road, Great Totham

14

11

3 0 11 10 0 10 New Site

H6 (u) 1.62 Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major 12

11

3 0 9 9 0 9 New site

H6 (l) 0.96 Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little Totham

12

9 4 0 8 10 1 11 Intensification of existing site

H6 (t) 0.95 10 The Brambles Foxhall Road Southminster CM0 7LB

12

10

6 0 6 1 0 1 Discounted as the site is not occupied by Travellers

Key Total Nº Pitches Proposed allocation 30

DRAFT

Appendix 1

Appendix 7: Stage 5 Proposed Potential Allocation Maps for Traveller Sites

Map of Preferred Traveller Site – The Stables, Colchester Road, Great Totham

DRAFT

Appendix 1

Map of Preferred Traveller Site – Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little Totham

DRAFT

Appendix 1

Map of Preferred Traveller Site – Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major

DRAFT

Appendix 1

Appendix 8 – Stages 1-5 Overall Assessment of Traveller Sites

Parish 1st stage

2nd Stage

3rd Stage

4th Stage

5th Stage Ref

Gross site (ha) Site Address

Reason for Removal

Great Braxted Yes Yes Yes No H6(c) 0.38 The Oaks, Lea Lane, Great Braxted


Great Braxted Yes Yes Yes No H6(d) 0.87 Land at Broomfields Farm, Lea Lane, Great Braxted


Great Braxted Yes Yes No H6(e) 1.73 The Orchards, Lea Lane, Great Braxted

The number of pitches does not relate appropriately to the circumstances of the specific size and location of the site and the surrounding population’s size and density, and does not promote peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community.

DRAFT

Appendix 1

Parish 1st stage

2nd Stage

3rd Stage

4th Stage

5th Stage Ref

Gross site (ha) Site Address

Reason for Removal

Great Braxted Yes Yes No H6 (q) 3.42 Old Orchard Barn, Great Braxted

The number of pitches does not relate appropriately to the circumstances of the specific size and location of the site and the surrounding population’s size and density, and does not promote peaceful and integrated co-existence between the site and the local community.

Great Totham Yes Yes Yes Yes yes H6(f) 0.31 Land adjacent the The Stables, Colchester Road, Great Totham

Great Totham Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes H6(l) 0.96 Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little Totham

Great Totham Yes Yes Yes No H6(p) 1.05 Captain’s Wood Road, Great Totham


Southminster Yes Yes Yes Yes No H6 (t) 0.95 10 The Brambles Foxhall Road, Southminster CM0 7LB

Discounted as the site is not occupied by Travellers.

Tolleshunt Major Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes H6 (u) 1.62 Loamy Hill, Little Totham

DRAFT

Appendix 1

Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document

Preferred Options Consultation

August 2016

Appendix 2

How to Get Involved This Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document (Preferred Options) sets out draft proposals for Traveller sites, together with plans showing the extent of the proposed sites, and draft 'preferred policies' to guide development proposals for the sites. If, following this consultation, the sites go forward to the next stages; planning policies will be drafted for the sites. When the document is finalised these planning policies will be used to assess planning applications that may come forward for the sites. General guidance, such as National Planning Policy Framework, will also apply to any development proposals, as will other relevant planning policies, such as those in the emerging Local Development Plan, therefore this document is not intended to repeat existing guidance or policies. Comments are welcomed on these proposals. You may comment in a number of ways:

• If you wish to make comments on a particular site, or the preferred policies on the site, please use Question X on the accompanying response form. Please use a different response form for each site that you wish to comment on

• If you wish to put a site forward for development that is not included within this document, please use Question X on the response form

• If you wish to make any other general comments on any part of the document, please use Question X on the response form

• If you wish to make a comment on the Sustainability Appraisal or Background Paper accompanying the Site Allocations Development Plan Document, please use Question X on the response form

The consultation on this document runs from 15th August to 25th September 2016 For comments to be considered they must be submitted to the Council 25th September 2016 Response forms can be downloaded from the Council’s website at: xxxx or you can request paper copies by phoning: 01621 876202 Forms can be returned in the following ways: By email to: [email protected] By post to: Maldon District Council, Princes Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5DL This consultation includes the following documents: • Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document (Preferred Options Consultation Document) • Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document: Background Paper - Methodology and Site

Selection • Draft Sustainability Appraisal These documents are available to view on the Council's website at: xxx They can also be viewed at the following locations: Consultation events are planned and details of these are set out on the consultation pages of the Council's website. If you have any queries about this consultation please contact:

Appendix 2

Planning Policy Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01621 876202

Appendix 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS How to Get Involved 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT Introduction Legal Status and scope of the Traveller Site Allocations DPD Relationship to other documents and strategies Preparation Process Local Context 2.0 SPATIAL VISION Vision 3.0 TRAVELLING COMMUNITY Introduction Traveller sites for Allocation

• Preferred Site TS1: Land Adjacent to the Stables, Colchester Road, Great Totham • Preferred Site TS2: Tarry Wood, Park Wood Lane, Little Totham • Preferred Site TS3: Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major

4.0 MONITORING AND IMPLEMENTATION 5.0 GLOSSARY

Appendix 2

List of Figures Figure 1: Local Development Framework Figure 2 : Site Allocations DPD Preparation Process Figure 3: Identified Traveller need, Essex GTAA 2014 Figure 4: Summary of preferred sites for Traveller allocations Figure 5: Deliverability of Traveller sites Figure 6: Preferred Site TS1 – Land adjacent to The Stables, Colchester Road, Great Totham Figure 7: Preferred Site TS2 – Tarry Wood, Park Wood Drive, Little Totham Figure 8: Preferred Site TS3 – Loamy Hill Road, Tolleshunt Major Abbreviations DCLG Department of Communities and Local Government DPD Development Plan Document GTAA Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment HRA Habitats Regulation Assessment LDP Local Development Plan LWS Local Wildlife Site MDC Maldon District Council MLP Essex Minerals Local Plan NPPG National Planning Practice Guidance NPPF National Planning Policy Framework RLP Replacement Local Plan SA Sustainability Appraisal SAC Special Area of Conservation SAM Scheduled Ancient Monument SuDS Sustainable Drainage Systems WLP Essex and Southend Waste Local Plan

Appendix 2

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT

Introduction

1.1. The intention is to incorporate site allocations for Traveller sites, rural housing and rural employment sites into one Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD). This co

report of director of planning and regulatory … · doc123. agenda item no. 11. 3. summary of key...

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