I am somewhat disappointed with the Council's decision to release this Housing Land Assessment without the benefit of the Employment Land Review to inform this consultation and decision making progress.

This site is well related to the north of the settlement with development on the south and east sides, and due to constraints on any other possible housing sites adjoining the settlement is by far the most suitable location for a small urban extension. Due to the way the settlement has evolved the site can also be considered the most logical extension/infill to the existing pattern.

The site is located within 1000m of a major employment centre and benefits from a sustainable location within close proximity of the village centre and access to a main bus route. Housing development on the site will also help to sustain the local primary school, which is small with high surplus places. It is clear that the site is not suitable for employment use and there is no reasonable prospect of the site being used for economic development.

It is considered that a sensitive considered layout, in addition to screening measures will ameliorate any negative effects on residential amenity.

The allotments are wholly under-utilised and surplus to community requirements, most plots are now vacant and it would be factually incorrect to argue that the site is a valued well used community facility. The landowner is also considering closing the site for allotment use altogether irrespective of whether the site is allocated or not.

A short assessment of the highway implications of the site's development has been undertaken. It confirms that an acceptable vehicular access to the site can be achieved which would ensure links to the High Street and public transport.

It is considered that new development at the site would be deliverable within the 10 year timescale referred to in the table. The acknowledgement that the site is suitable for the provision of a wide range of housing types to meet local and strategic needs is supported.