Page 67 - All files for Planning Inspectorate update

(a) Schemes must reflect and respect the predominant character of the area with particular
regard to unit type, scale and massing; and……………

(h) Provide a mix of dwelling types and sizes, both market and affordable, to include small
homes and homes suitable for elderly residents. Appropriate mix to be informed by an up-to-
date housing needs survey together with information from MSDC’s Common Housing
Register;

ASW 14 whereby

All new development (including extensions and additions to individual properties) must
demonstrate good quality design and respect the existing character and appearance of the
surrounding area. All proposals will be expected to identify how they address the local
surroundings and landscape context by:

(a) Using design that respects the scale and character of existing and surrounding buildings
with reference to the Character Assessment; and……..
(b) Demonstrating that the design of the particular development has addressed and
protected the positive features of the character of the local area; and………………….

(h) Providing private garden amenity space proportionate to the size of the dwelling

ASW 9(a) addresses unit type, scale and massing. ASW9 (h) requires a mix of dwelling types and sizes
and the mix to be informed by an up-to-date housing needs survey.

In the context of the above policies we would make the following points:-

1. In respect of massing the nearest development of flats is Ashbourne Park, which has
fourteen flats on 0.358 hectares of developable land. Proportionately the maximum number
of homes that should be permitted on the EDF site would therefore be 31 ( 0.8/0.358 x 14 =
31), not the 54 presently sought
2. In respect of dwelling type the plans do not provide for a mix of type, being solely for flats of
either one or two bedrooms. Clearly the policy envisaged a mix of houses and modest flats,
not a bland single-type development as proposed
3. In respect of the scale of the development this has never been informed by an up-to-date
housing needs survey. We believe that before any permission is granted for the EDF site
such a housing needs survey should be conducted to validate the scale of the development
actually required
4. In respect of design the current EDF proposals do not (ASW 14) respect the existing
character and appearance of the surrounding area, nor do they use design that respects the
scale and character of existing and surrounding buildings, nor do they demonstrate that the
design of the particular development has addressed and protected the positive features of
the character of the local area, nor do they provide private garden amenity space
proportionate to the size of the dwelling.