Response from Hopton-on-Sea Parish Council, as Consultees, to Great Yarmouth Borough Council re outline planning application 06/17/0339/O (site HO05) up to 200 dwellings land east of Lowestoft Road Hopton-on-Sea.

Hopton-on-Sea Parish Council (HPC) has been in a number of discussions with Norfolk Property Services (NPS), the agent for this application, and we wish to place on record our appreciation of NPS’s openness and transparency in its dealings with us.

There are a number of matters relating to the application that HPC would like to raise with Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) and asks that GYBC apply conditions on any planning consentso as to satisfy HPC’s concerns.

  1. No building to be higher than two storeys – this reflects the predominant height throughout Hopton - HPC notes NPS’s intentions but would like it “firmed up” and confirmed.
  1. Open plan frontages – to ensure the integrity and appearance of a new, large, development in Hopton-on-Sea and to avoid the “clutter” of a haphazard appearance. It will also assist safety (visibility). A quick calculation from the submitted plan shows that 440 parking spaces will be required for the development. Open plan frontages avoids the different style fences, trees and hedges which affects visibility for motorists.
  1. A maximum of 200 dwellings – again HPC notes NPS’s intentions but no developer has yet been identified and a condition now would send the appropriate message to any developer that might want to increase the density at reserved matters stage. S106 Heads of Terms refers to the upgraded sewerage system able to cater for 200 dwellings. We recommend a condition that the development will be no more than 200 dwellings.
  1. Adoption of roads, footways, street lights and sewage systems in a phased manner. HPC would not wish its new residents to have to wait until the end of the total development before the major infrastructure is adopted. A turning circle should be incorporated for large delivery vehicles.
  1. Remove Permitted Development Rights – to ensure the integrity of the development and to avoid potential breaches of parking standards. If any new owners wish to make alterations to the property or land an application would need to go before GYBC Planning for consideration.
  1. Management of market flats – early discussions with NPS indicated that up to 20 properties may be flats of which some would be market flats. If it transpires that some of the properties are, indeed, flats then HPC wants to be assured that the management and maintenance of the flats and grounds are clearly identified to ensure that proper management arrangements are in place at an early date. There should also be space for refuse bins, in a locked area.
  1. Traffic Assessment – HPC notes that the consultants’ traffic assessment was conducted during one of the quietest periods on the village’s roads. HPC is concerned that this gives an inaccurate picture of the village’s traffic situation and asks GYBC to ensure a further independent traffic assessment is carried out, at a time more in keeping with the village’s traffic situation ie we suggest August or early September.We consider a 20% increase in traffic to be substantial rather than “insignificant” as outlined in the assessment. The traffic assessment also makes reference to use of a train in Hopton!
  1. Notice Board at site entrance – HPC is aware that this facility is available at sites in at least one other local planning authority area. It is a “good neighbour” gesture and allows residents to see what the application is for, who the developer is, what conditions are attached to the consent, permitted hours of work, name of site manager, how to raise any issues and with whom, amongst other information relevant to that consent. HPC also request a condition that water bowsers are used to dampen down working areas when the weather is dry, so that neighbouring areas do not suffer dust unnecessarily. Also road sweepers on a regular basis and wheel cleaning facilities on site. There should also be off road parking for site workers so that the surrounding roads are not used for parking.
  1. All trees identified with TPO’s must not be removed or damaged, but protected throughout the development.

No development to proceed until all conditions attached to the permission have been met.

With regard to planning gain, HPC would welcome the opportunity to discuss the S106 terms with GYBC and NPS. HPC broadly supports the S106 Heads of Terms Statementbut would particularly raise/discuss the following matters:

  1. Education Provision Contribution - HPC notes the requirement for a contribution to primary education in the village but questions why no contribution appears to be required for secondary education, recognising that such provision will be provided outside Hopton.
  1. Environment/Green Infrastructure Contribution – HPC would welcome the provision of a compost bin and [fitted] water butt for all properties, together with a grit bin and sufficient waste bins at each phase throughout the development, with agreement in place to empty the litter bins.
  1. Play & Open Space Contribution – this is a large development and is some distance from the main recreation area of the village. HPC considers that this open space should have something along the lines of a multi-purpose games area with elements appropriate to a range of ages. There will also be a need for a commuted sum for ongoing maintenance for an agreed period.HPC will need to consult on the provision of allotments as there has been no significant evidence of need.
  1. Utility Provision – Broadband from the start. The exchange at Blundeston is old and at capacity now. Investment needs to be directed to this service otherwise the remainder of the village that does already have acceptable communications will lose them.
  1. Employment Provision (new section) – Apprenticeships. HPC requests that the developer takes on two local apprentices each year, in the following areas, plumbing, electrical, bricklaying, plastering and carpentry, thus providing training in house building skills. The approach has been successfully used in another local planning authority area although that application was for a solar panel farm rather than house building. It will be good for local young people and their employment prospects and is an innovative use of S.106.
  1. Further Information – whilst not formally part of this consultation response, HPC wish to advise GYBC that it is approaching NPS seeking restrictive covenants for no caravans, fences or boats in front gardens, no business to be run from domestic premises, any vehicles 3.5 tonnes and over not to be parked, no keeping of pigs, poultry or pigeons or other livestock except for domestic pets.

We reserve the right to make further comments.

Cllr. Ian ConstableCllr. Laura Sykes

ChairmanChairman Planning

Hopton-on-Sea Parish Council Committee

17 July 2017

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