Object

Representation ID: 29953

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Harworth Group PLC

Agent: Rob Moore

Safeguarded land

We would recommend the inclusion of Safeguarded Land within Policy SP5 or as a dedicated policy on Safeguarded Land, as detailed as a reasonable alternative. Safeguarded land is essential, particularly in BMDC where the Green Belt boundaries once set are to be of permanence in accordance with NPPF paragraph 136. Again, Bradford is a heavily contained Green Belt authority with 66% coverage.

While we note BMDC’s conclusions that there is not sufficient evidence to include safeguarded land it is important to have an effective mechanism to allow development in accordance with the link road, as was originally envisaged. This is fundamental given the revised standard methodology requiring 2,300 dpa (see comments in respect of recommendation 4) which counter’s the council’s own evidence base on the need to allocate sufficient, flexible land.

By not including safeguard land associated with the committed SEBAR there creates inflexibility in the plan constraining development which would alongside the SEBAR provide regeneration to the Holme Wood area as set out within the Vision Document at Appendix 2. The piecemeal allocation of c. 297 new homes without allocating or, as a minimum, safeguarding the wider site misses the opportunity for comprehensive regeneration.

Recommendation 3: Include Safeguarded Land in respect of the SEBAR and Holme Wood urban extension, setting a boundary across the entire site to build in flexibility over delivery over potentially multiple plan periods in the interests of effectiveness and positive plan making.