Supporting Documents of the Draft Bradford District Local Plan - Preferred Options (Feb 2021)

Support

Representation ID: 29862

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Batty Developments Ltd

Agent: Heritage Planning Design Ltd

Site SH4/H (SLA Ref SH/026)

Recognition of the site’s sustainable location, in proximity to educational and other facilities is welcomed, as are the minor positive impacts predicted for climate change resilience, housing, social cohesion, culture and leisure, health, employment and economy.

Object

Representation ID: 29863

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Batty Developments Ltd

Agent: Heritage Planning Design Ltd

Site SH4/H (SLA Ref SH/026)

Climate change resilience
The site is assessed as + (minor positive) against this Sustainability Appraisal (SA) objective, but it should be assessed as ++ (major positive) as there will be low surface water run-off, plus the incorporation of green infrastructure within the development, potentially including a SUDS basin.

Water resources
The site is assessed as - (minor negative) against this SA objective as it could pose a risk to nearby water bodies and will result in a minor increase in water consumption. The latter is unavoidable and agreed but the former is clearly a risk that can be managed. Furthermore, the presence of nearby water courses provides opportunities for the creation of SUDS basins and the sustainable disposal of surface water, without placing additional demands on public sewers.

As the developer is investigating the feasibility of a SUDS basin thus providing a new semi-natural waterbody, the site should be assessed as + (minor positive) or at least +/- (neutral) on the whole.

Object

Representation ID: 29864

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Batty Developments Ltd

Agent: Heritage Planning Design Ltd

Site SH4/H (SLA Ref SH/026)

Biodiversity & geodiversity
The site is assessed as - - (major negative) against this sustainability objective. However, the assessment is presumptuous and overly pessimistic, without good reason. In-line with the pre-application inquiry submitted, protected trees and woodland on-site will be protected and retained, and the Developer will be working with BI Ecology (letter attached as appendix 2) with the aim of achieving net gains for biodiversity and green infrastructure, in-line with the NPPF.

As the site is within 7km of the South Pennine Moors SPA/SCA, it is acknowledged that Habitat Regulations Assessment must be undertaken but the potential for significant effects is very low. At worst, the site should be assessed as +/- (neutral) on the whole.

Landscape & townscape
The site is assessed as - (minor negative) against this sustainability objective. The development would inevitably result in the loss of open land. However, development of the site would not result in the loss of any protected trees or woodland. It is agreed that the relationship of the site with existing built form, limits magnitude of potential effects on the landscape. The Design Team have not identified any long views upon which there will be significant negative effects and will be working with PWP Design (Landscape Architects) (letter attached as appendix 3) to ensure good design and appropriate mitigation.

Object

Representation ID: 29865

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Batty Developments Ltd

Agent: Heritage Planning Design Ltd

Site SH4/H (SLA Ref SH/026)

Cultural heritage
The site is assessed as - (minor negative) against this sustainability objective due to its proximity to New Close Farm (grade II listed) and a barn to the east (grade II* listed) and a likely adverse impact upon their settings. It is agreed that there is potential for an adverse impact upon the settings of these buildings, however, such an impact is not inevitable and can be avoided by good design and mitigation, including planting and a green buffer. It is suggested that the site should be assessed as +/- (neutral), subject to mitigation.

Air quality
The site is assessed as - - (major negative) against this sustainability objective. It is accepted that new development will inevitably result in some additional vehicle movements and emissions. However, impacts can and will be mitigated by electric vehicle charging points and measures such as a Travel Plan that encourage the uptake of sustainable transport options. It is suggested the site should be assessed as - (minor negative).