Issues and Options for the Ipswich Local Plan Review

Comment

Representation ID: 25220

Received: 27/11/2017

Respondent: Bloor Homes

Working collaboratively with neighbouring authorities on cross-boundary issues, including in relation to meet housing needs, should be a key priority for Ipswich Borough Council, particularly given the constraints of existing administrative boundaries. We note the collaborative approach being undertaken by Suffolk Coastal District Council and Ipswich Borough Council in seeking to address housing need, and commend such an approach. Clearly, there is a strong functional relationship between Ipswich and Suffolk Coastal District and it is entirely appropriate (as per the NPPF) for the authorities to work together to ensure development needs are met sustainably.

Comment

Representation ID: 25221

Received: 27/11/2017

Respondent: Bloor Homes

If the Council were to pursue Scenario A, there is a substantial risk that the Local Plan would become almost immediately out of date and would fail to meet development needs in full. It is suggested that the Local Plan should adopt the approach as per Scenario B, as a minimum. If the Council wish to maximise the plan's social and economic benefits, and the potential for infrastructure improvements, a scenario closer to C should be pursued. It is submitted that the Council should seek to identify potential sites that could deliver the higher growth scenario. Growth should be focussed where the economic and social benefits will be maximised;

Comment

Representation ID: 25222

Received: 27/11/2017

Respondent: Bloor Homes

It is agreed that a high growth scenario would help to deliver the required levels of affordable housing, as the primary mechanism for the delivery of affordable housing is highly likely to be through mixed tenure developments incorporating market housing. In order to ensure that affordable housing is directed to areas of greatest need, additional growth should be focussed in areas in proximity to Ipswich, including areas which may not be within the administrative area of the Borough but which still have a strong functional relationship with Ipswich.

Comment

Representation ID: 25223

Received: 27/11/2017

Respondent: Bloor Homes

In respect of Option 1, we would question whether a higher density urban-regeneration approach could deliver development needs in full. In addition, it is not clear if higher density urban regeneration is viable.

We would caution against relying on Option 2. The creation of a new settlement would require provision of entirely new infrastructure, and the cooperation and effective working of multiple agencies. Inevitably, there will be long lead in times for the commencement and completion of development.

The use of edge of settlement countryside represents a potentially sustainable Option 3. Such areas have the potential to be well-related to existing services, facilities, transport infrastructure and employment opportunities.

Option 4 directing growth east of Ipswich represents a sustainable approach.

Option 5 will reinforce the links across the administrative boundaries of Ipswich and Suffolk Coastal as well as supporting the County Town of Suffolk through increased focus of future growth.

We question the sustainability of option 6.

Comment

Representation ID: 25224

Received: 27/11/2017

Respondent: Bloor Homes

Whilst the merit of protecting the identity and distinctiveness of settlements and communities is acknowledged, the Local Plan should avoid applying an arbitrary and overly simplistic approach through which development on the edge of Ipswich within Suffolk Coastal District is seen as harmful to such objectives. Such an approach could severely weaken opportunities to promote sustainable patterns of growth, potentially forcing development away from the most accessible locations and further into the open countryside. Instead, such policies should be specifically focussed on protecting landscape of particular value.

Comment

Representation ID: 25225

Received: 27/11/2017

Respondent: Bloor Homes

Land at and surrounding Hill Farm, Lamberts Lane, Rushmere St Andrew ('the Site') is being considered as a potential development site by Suffolk Coastal District Council as part of its emerging Local Plan, and has been assessed through the Initial Sustainability Appraisal - Site Assessments as site reference 1087.