Neighbourhood planning

This Note sets out my initial comments on the submitted Plan. It also sets out areas where it would be helpful to have some further clarification. For the avoidance of doubt, matters of clarification are entirely normal at this early stage of the examination process.

Initial Comments

The Plan has been prepared and presented in a very professional and effective manner. The photographs and the maps are excellent. In addition, the Plan is supported by a good package of appendices. In several cases the appendices directly underpin the relevant policies. The Plan has a clear vision and associated objectives.

Points for Clarification

I have read the submitted documents and the representations made to the Plan. I have also visited the neighbourhood area. I am now able to raise issues for clarification with the Parish Council. The comments made on the points in this Note will assist in the preparation of my report and in recommending any modifications that may be necessary to ensure that the Plan meets the basic conditions.

Policy HBE2

The proposed approach will make a good use of previously-developed land.

Please can the Parish Council explain the intention of criterion a)? Is it making the same point as criterion b)?

The overall effect of criteria b), d) and e) is likely to have significant implications on the mix of housing which comes forward on the site. Has the Parish Council considered the potential effect of these criteria on the viability of the site’s development?

Could criteria c) and f) be combined into a single criterion?

Policy HBE4

The overall effect of this policy is very appropriate.

Nevertheless, I am minded to recommend that the initial part of the policy refers to development within the settlement boundary (rather than the settlement boundary being a criterion within the wider context set by the policy).

Does the Parish Council have any comments on this proposition?

Policy HBE5

In the round this is an excellent policy. It is a well-crafted local response to Section 12 of the NPPF.

Policy ENV1

This is a good policy which is underpinned by Appendix 8.

I looked carefully at the proposed Stocks Hill Local Green Space (007) during the visit.

Does the Parish Council have any further information on the wildlife significance of the site beyond that included in Appendix 8?

Policy ENV4

This is a good policy which is effectively underpinned by Appendix 10.

Policy ENV6

I saw the importance of trees in the parish during the visit.

I understand the purpose of the policy. However, in practical terms, does it bring any added value beyond the national controls provided by conservation area/tree preservation order legislation for relevant trees?

Policy ENV11

In general terms this is a good policy.

Could the policy’s reference to ENDC studies (on landscape sensitivity) be shown on a map base? Otherwise, the geographic application of the policy will be unclear.

Is the final part of the policy (about Ministry of Defence land) intended to relate to renewable energy proposals?

Policy S1

This is a good policy which takes account of viability and potential changes within the Plan period (such as the provision of alternative or replacement facilities).

Representations

Does the Parish Council have any comments on the representations received?

I would find it helpful to receive the Parish Council’s comments on:

• the representation made by Berrys (on behalf of the Duddington Estate) about the designation of Stocks Hill as a local green space; and
• the representation made by the Ministry of Defence on Policy ENV11

Protocol for responses

I would be grateful for responses by 22 December 2023. Please let me know if this timetable will be challenging to achieve. It is intended to maintain the momentum of the examination.

If certain responses are available before others, I would happy to receive the information on a piecemeal basis. Irrespective of how the information is assembled, please could it come to me directly from North Northamptonshire Council and make direct reference to the policy or the matter concerned.

Andrew Ashcroft
Independent Examiner
Duddington with Fineshade Neighbourhood Development Plan
1 December 2023