Issues and Options for the Ipswich Local Plan Review

Comment

Representation ID: 24964

Received: 25/10/2017

Respondent: Northern Fringe Protection Group

Yes. A more realistic growth scenario based on the Government's White paper target and the Experian jobs target; although we note even this is double the historic trend.
A scenario that takes account of BREXIT, including weaker sterling levels, should be assessed. We note that paragraph 5.38 of the SHMA states that a 10 year scenario was ruled out because of the low levels of international migration following the recession. However, this type of scenario is far more likely given BREXIT and the much weaker pound, which have slashed the attractiveness of the UK to EU workers.

Comment

Representation ID: 24965

Received: 25/10/2017

Respondent: Northern Fringe Protection Group

In general, we believe the current approaches, contained within the existing Local Plans are most appropriate. Basing the Local Plans on the Government's White Paper Housing targets would allow these approaches to continue.

Comment

Representation ID: 24966

Received: 25/10/2017

Respondent: Northern Fringe Protection Group

The distribution options need to be reassessed to take account of the Government's White Paper targets.

Comment

Representation ID: 24967

Received: 25/10/2017

Respondent: Northern Fringe Protection Group

Regardless of the approach taken, improving accessibility between homes and work places must be a priority when developing the Local Plans and assessing infrastructure requirements. A full cross-boundary Transport Assessment of the impact of draft Local Plans is required before they can be finalised.

Comment

Representation ID: 24968

Received: 25/10/2017

Respondent: Northern Fringe Protection Group

We support the current Local Plan densities, which have recently been found by the Planning Inspector to be sound. Clearly Ipswich Borough will have set these as they believed them to be most appropriate. The current building density requirements should be a regarded as a maximum to prevent undesirable high density developments. Lowering the current density levels will only result in lower quality developments with less open space of which there is already a deficit in most areas.

Comment

Representation ID: 24969

Received: 25/10/2017

Respondent: Northern Fringe Protection Group

The policy approach of maintaining the physical separation of villages from Ipswich should be continued.

Comment

Representation ID: 24970

Received: 25/10/2017

Respondent: Northern Fringe Protection Group

As these authorities appear to be concentrating new developments on the boundaries of Ipswich, placing pressure on Ipswich's infrastructure we believe it is reasonable for some increased development beyond the Ipswich Borough boundary.

Comment

Representation ID: 24971

Received: 25/10/2017

Respondent: Northern Fringe Protection Group

Whilst accepting the need for providing sufficient employment land sites that offer flexibility to potential employers, the current Local Plan has over a 150% margin over the assessed employment need. Apart from the missed opportunity of sites remaining undeveloped through excess capacity, there is the issue of unregenerated brown field sites remaining a blot on the landscape making Ipswich a less attractive and vibrant town. There should be an opportunity to make some reallocations from land currently protected for employment use to housing. Similarly there is an over provision of the allocation of retail space.

Comment

Representation ID: 24972

Received: 25/10/2017

Respondent: Northern Fringe Protection Group

There is an over provision of land allocated to retail space within Ipswich. It was a mistake for the current Local Plan to extend the Ipswich Central Shopping Area to include the Westgate Quarter. This decision should be reconsidered and the land incorporating allocations IP40 and IP41 reallocated for mixed residential and employment use. It is not realistic to release large areas of protected open spaces within the Borough to residential development, given the current shortfalls of Open Space. We strongly oppose any attempt to use what little remaining countryside there is in the Borough for homes.

Comment

Representation ID: 24973

Received: 25/10/2017

Respondent: Northern Fringe Protection Group

A northern relief road will be required to accommodate the build-out of the Ipswich Garden Suburb and ease current congestion. Road improvements are required to alleviate existing congestion in the town centre and will also be required to accommodate new developments. The Ipswich Garden Suburb SPD infrastructure requirements are all required, as are those specified as conditions to planning applications. Air quality urgently needs improving before encouraging cycling and walking in AQMAs. Improvements to Westerfield Railway Station and the Ipswich-Felixstowe line are required, and an assessment of the viability of a further station in the vicinity of Futura Park.