Joint Core Strategy - Proposed Main Modifications

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82

Paragraph 9.4 and Table 4

Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

Amend the first two sentences of paragraph 9.4 as follows and delete the existing Table 4 and replace with a new Table 4 (see table on Page 63 of this schedule):

“A Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) was undertaken for West Northamptonshire based on the housing requirement set out in the East Midlands Regional Plan. The findings of the SHMA have been reassessed to take account of the revised household projections arising from the most recent objective assessment of housing needs and the extended plan period to 2029. in the light of the Joint Core Strategy's planned housing delivery of 50,150 additional homes for the period 2001-2026 and have been updated to reflect the 2008 based household projections.”

To reflect the conclusions of the West Northamptonshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment Update.

MM28

84

Paragraph 9.12

As agreed at the Examination Hearing Session 4.

Insert the following text at the end of  Paragraph 9.12:

“The JCS seeks to meet the range of housing needs which exist in our communities. Some groups such as older people or those with disabilities may require specialised housing. These vary from traditional nursing homes to schemes which support independent living, but also offer care packages. The Sustainable Urban Extensions, in particular, are of a scale which provides the scope to meet the full range of needs which exist.”

To incorporate the provisions of Policy H4 which it is proposed to delete.

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84

Policy H1 

As agreed at the Examination Hearing Session 4.

Amend the first paragraph of Policy H1 as follows:

“ACROSS WEST NORTHAMPTONSHIRE NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WILL PROVIDE FOR A MIX OF HOUSE TYPES, SIZES AND TENURES TO CATER FOR DIFFERENT ACCOMMODATION NEEDS., INCLUDING THE NEEDS OF OLDER PEOPLE AND VULNERABLE GROUPS.”

To incorporate the provisions of Policy H4 which it is proposed to delete.

MM30

86

New Paragraph 9.18

As agreed at the Examination Hearing Session 4.

Add a new Paragraph 9.18 after Paragraph 9.17 as follows (and renumber subsequent paragraphs):

“For the avoidance of doubt all schemes which provide self-contained units, including sheltered and assisted living housing schemes, are expected to provide affordable accommodation in accordance with Policy H2. Where on site provision is not practicable then an off-site contribution of equivalent value will be acceptable.”

To incorporate the provisions of Policy H4 which it is proposed to delete.

MM31

89

Policy H4  

As agreed at the Examination Hearing Session 4.

Delete Policy H4 and the supporting text at Paragraph 9.20. 

To address concerns raised at the Examination Hearings regarding the effectiveness of the policy in terms of its practical implementation. It was agreed that the principal provisions of the policy could be incorporated into other Plan policies.

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90 - 91

Paragraphs 9.25 - 9.27, 9.29 and 9.31

Modifications proposed as a consequence of the completion of the West Northamptonshire Travellers Accommodation Needs Study.

Amend Paragraphs 9.25 to 9.27,9.29 and 9.31 as follows (and renumber subsequent paragraphs):

“9.205      A Travellers Accommodation Needs Study (TANS)[6] has been undertaken to quantify the accommodation and housing related support needs of Gypsies and Travellers (including Travelling Showpeople) in West Northamptonshire for the period 2012/13 to 2032/33. The TANs is based on primary research undertaken in Daventry District and Northampton Borough and also incorporates the results of a separate accommodation needs study which covers South Northamptonshire.[7] The study concludes that there is an overall shortfall in West Northamptonshire over the next twenty years of 81 residential pitches and 3 emergency stopping places for Gypsies and Travellers and 2 plots for Travelling Showpeople. The most recent sub-regional assessment of need is provided by the Northamptonshire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA)(2008)[1]. The GTAA identifies a need for 51 residential pitches, 10 transit pitches and 4 travelling showpeople plots for the period 2007-2017 in West Northamptonshire. A district/settlement breakdown of this requirement taken directly from the GTAA TANS is provided in Table 5 below. (See Table 5 on Page 64 below)

9.26       The TANS also provides evidence of when provision should made in order to meet the needs for permanent residential pitches that have been identified. Table 6 below indicates when provision is expected to be made during the plan period and should be used as an aid for monitoring. The provision of travelling showpeople plots and emergency stopping places is expected to take place by 2017.  (See Table 6 on Page 65 below)

9.2716Policy H7 below identifies pitch and plot targets based on the evidence of need provided in the TANS. Specific sites Site provision to meet the needs specified in Policy H7 below will be made through a combination of allocations allocated in the West Northamptonshire Site Allocations Development Plan Document the West Northamptonshire Gypsy, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Allocations Local Plan and the development management process in accordance with the criteria set out in the policy below. The provision of small sites which are integral to and planned alongside the Sustainable Urban Extensions will be considered where they meet the criteria. These criteria should also be applied to the consideration of planning applications for sites to meet unexpected demand.

9.227       Since 2007 one residential pitch for gypsies and travellers, and two plots for travelling showpeople have been provided in Daventry District. This provision has been discounted from the requirements specified in Policy H7 below.

9.249 Policy H7 does not seek to set a specific limit on the size of individual sites, as this would be an arbitrary approach. However, it is noted that government guidance[8] suggests that a maximum of 15 pitches is conducive with providing a comfortable environment which is easy to manage., whilst practical experience indicates up to six pitches containing one family group  works well.  This reflects the preference of residents and site managers and larger sites should be avoided unless there is a clear need and preference expressed through local community consultation including with the gypsy and traveller community.

9.2631        The GTAA for Northamptonshire only identifies pitch requirements up  to 2017. A joint Local Plan will be prepared which will review the need for accommodation in West Northamptonshire up to and beyond 2017 and identify sites to meet this need in accordance with national policy.Clearly it will be necessary to review and update the GTAA and any revised requirements beyond 2017 will need to be addressed through a future review of the JCS.”

To reflect the conclusions of the West Northamptonshire Travellers Accommodation Needs Study.

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91

Policy H7

Modifications proposed as a consequence of the completion of the West Northamptonshire Travellers Accommodation Needs Study.

Amend the first part of Policy H7 as follows:

“THE FOLLOWING PROVISION WILL BE MADE FOR ACCOMMODATION OF GYPSIES, TRAVELLERS AND TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE IN THE PERIOD UP TO 201729:

• WITHIN DAVENTRY DISTRICT : 8  20 RESIDENTIAL PITCHES, AND 3 TRANSIT PITCHES; 1 EMERGENCY STOPPING PLACE AND 2 TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE PLOTS;
• WITHIN NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH: 32 35 RESIDENTIAL PITCHES AND 1 EMERGENCY STOPPING PLACE 5 TRANSIT PITCHES; AND
• WITHIN SOUTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE: 10 19 RESIDENTIAL PITCHES, 2 TRANSIT PITCHES AND 2 TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE PLOTS1 EMERGENCY STOPPING PLACE.”

To reflect the conclusions of the West Northamptonshire Travellers Accommodation Needs Study.