North Walsham Development Brief Public Consultation |
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Executive Summary |
This report seeks agreement to publish a draft version of a Development Brief for the large-scale urban extension at North Walsham for a period of public consultation.
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Options considered. |
The Planning Policy and Built Heritage Working Party has previously considered the methods and time periods for consultation.
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Consultation(s) |
The Local Plan has been subject to a number of external consultations in line with statutory requirements and been developed through collaborative internal engagement and Member steer through the Planning Policy & Built Heritage Working Party. Full Council authorisation for the submission of the Plan for independent examination was received on 1.3.23. The Authority has previously consulted on the scope of a Development Brief, a draft Master Plan, Vision, and set of high-level development principles. The Draft Development Brief builds on these previous themes.
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Recommendations |
Members agreed the Draft version of the North Walsham West Development Brief as a basis for a period of public consultation.
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Reasons for recommendations |
The Local Plan is now at an advanced stage of production having been submitted for independent examination. Preparation and approval of a Development Brief is a policy requirement of the site allocation in the Local Plan. Its preparation will be a key indicator of the site’s deliverability. The content of the Brief should be informed by comprehensive and inclusive engagement with stakeholders.
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Background papers |
Submission version of the Local Plan and all background papers and supporting evidence including the previous consultation documents for North Walsham are published and available on the Councils new Local Plan examination Library Home | Local Plan Examination (north-norfolk.gov.uk)
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Wards affected |
All
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Cabinet member(s) |
Cllr Andrew Brown: Portfolio Holder for Planning
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Contact Officer |
Mark Ashwell, Planning Policy Manager
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Links to key documents: |
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Corporate Plan: |
Production of the Local Plan is a cross cutting theme in regard to delivery of the Corporate Plan’s priorities. |
Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) |
N/A |
Council Policies & Strategies |
Core Strategy and Site Allocations Development Plan Documents. Housing Strategy |
Corporate Governance: |
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Is this a key decision |
No |
Has the public interest test been applied |
No |
Details of any previous decision(s) on this matter |
None |
Minutes:
Since the last meeting Members had been provided advance notice of the DB and were provided the opportunity to engage and discuss the DB with the Planning Policy Manager (PPM). The SPOMG noted that feedback received from these briefings was positive.
The DB was formed in collaboration with the promotors, the Council, and NCC Highways – who had expressed their approval to the DB and the detailed Highways proposals. The Planning Policy Team considered that the DB was policy compliant with the emerging Local Plan, and specifically allocation NW62-a. The SPOMG advised that the PPM had previously explained that through the consultation of the DB, the Council would be able to demonstrate to the Planning Inspector for the Local Plan that the scheme was achievable, and the allocation viable.
The SPOMG detailed the sites location and the three core themes of the DB; open space, community and economy. Open space in the DB had been designed to become more linear in nature and act as a soft edge to development whilst also promoting active travel, with Weaver’s Way incorporated in the green infrastructure to enhance the overall development. Link Road, which formed the spine of the development was to be flanked by tree-lined avenues, with built in foot and cycle paths separate to the road to enable better permeability by foot and cycle across the site and beyond, complaint with GIRAMs requirements. The development would provide playing pitches, play areas for children, and allotments. At the centre of the site would be a new school, a community hub and elderly care facility, creating a nexus point for the community.
It was noted that part of the DB included details of a proposed access over the railway line to the North of the site to facilitate a further Northern Expansion. However, it was considered that the benefits from such extension would not justify the high costs. NNDC were engaging with Norfolk County Council with regards the upcoming infrastructure delivery plan to include a dedicated project for delivering North Walsham West. It was considered that the new link road would help direct traffic and alleviate current traffic pressures. The SPOMG noted that the new roads would not remove HGV movements for Aylsham Road entirely, but would significantly reduce movements by redirecting those that need to access facilities in the centre of North Walsham. Bespoke traffic models forecasted a 50% reduction in HGV movements in the town centre, this was endorsed by NCC Highways. Aylsham Road had been modelled to account for pedestrian use access and traffic improvements, with the DB proposing the introduction of traffic lights for one way use, this would enable the widening of footpaths and ensure larger vehicles were able to make use of the space under the centre of the bridge for safety and better access.
In addition, the SPOMG confirmed that the junction at Coltishall had also been modelled, with the proposed removal of a parking bay to help alleviate congestion issues.
The SPOMG noted that there was a commitment to ensure the delivery of off-site improvements early, with an expectation they occur in the early phases of the development.
IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY AGREED.
Members agreed the Draft version of the North Walsham West Development Brief as a basis for a period of public consultation.
Supporting documents: