Object

Representation ID: 30138

Received: 23/03/2021

Respondent: Jeffrey Rothery

Agent: ID Planning

Housing Distribution

It is not considered that the provision of 625 dwellings, less than 2% of the district requirement makes a ‘significant contribution’ to the Districts housing needs. The proposed distribution to Burley in Wharfedale is too low and should be increased to support its role and function as a growth centre.

Whilst we support the Council’s strategy that the majority of housing should be distributed to the Regional City, the distribution of 73% of the LHN requirement to this area is too high and negatively impacts on the distribution to the wider district and other settlements. The proposed distribution to the Regional City and in particular the Bradford City Centre and Shipley and Canal Road Corridor areas is unrealistic.

The distribution results in the allocation of urban extensions on the east and western edges of the City which are physically remote from rail services at the expense of sites in smaller centres with railways stations.

Required Change
Whilst the Regional City should be the main focus for housing delivery in the absence of the 35% uplift being applied the quantum of housing should be reduced to a more realistic level (60%) and additional houses should be distributed to Principal Towns, Local Growth Centres such as Burley in Wharfedale where there are not the deliverability constraints and where the delivery of additional houses in these settlements is realistic. This approach will ensure the housing requirement and the plan is deliverable.

Overall, however, we object to the 35% uplift being excluded as this would provide the preferred growth strategy for the urban areas whilst also ensure and maintain a balanced distribution of housing growth to meet identified needs in the wider district and sustainable settlements.

Required Change
The proposed distribution to Burley in Wharfedale should be increased. Additional Green Belt releases should be made to allocate smaller sites in the settlement to provide choice and mix of sites to support delivery. The site at Hag Farm Road is well contained and would form a natural extension to the settlement to provide a mix of use in accordance with the Neighbourhood Plan. The allocation of an additional site will ensure the delivery of a mix of sites to provide market and affordable housing and support services and facilities in the settlement.