Tag: MPC: Environmental Impact

Material Planning Considerations:

Effects on the natural environment, including wildlife, vegetation, and protected areas.

Objection – 20240623 – 04 — Due to Public Health Concerns.pdf

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Material Considerations Used in the Objection, Grouped by Main Categories

Residential Amenity
  • Mental Health and Well-being: Stress and anxiety from continuous construction.
  • Noise Pollution: Health risks and cognitive impairment from prolonged noise.
  • Community Disruption: Social isolation and disrupted access to services.
Air and Water Quality
  • Air Quality and Respiratory Health: Construction dust and emissions impacting vulnerable populations.
Public Opinion
  • Lack of Transparency and Consultation: Undermined public trust due to inadequate consultation.

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Objection – 20240623 – 06 — Based on Deliverability and Sustainability Concerns.pdf

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Material Considerations Used in the Objection, Grouped by Main Categories

Deliverability and Sustainability
  • Ecological Impact and Sustainability: Concerns over outdated data and insufficient sustainability measures.
  • Environmental and Flood Risks: Historical flooding issues inadequately addressed.
  • Infrastructure and Service Strain: Inaccurate housing supply figures and repurposed NHS comments.
  • Public Opinion and Community Impact: Significant community opposition and manipulated feedback.
  • Archaeological Concerns: Insufficient mitigation for potential archaeological findings.

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Objection – 20240623 – 05 — Based on the Ecological Impact Assessment.pdf

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Material Considerations Used in the Objection, Grouped by Main Categories

Environmental Impact
  • Significant Biodiversity Net Loss: High loss of biodiversity contrary to planning policies.
  • Insufficient Mitigation and Compensation Measures: Lack of detailed, enforceable plans.
  • Potential Adverse Effects on Local Wildlife: Risks to protected species with inadequate mitigation.
  • Cumulative Impact with Previous Developments: Additional habitat loss and urbanisation.
  • Impact on Non-Statutory Designated Sites: Risks to nearby nature conservation sites.
  • Inadequate Consideration of In-Combination Effects: Lack of comprehensive assessment of cumulative impacts.

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Objection – 20240623 – 03 — Due to Traffic and Access, Flood Risk and Community Impact Concerns.pdf

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Material Considerations Used in the Objection, Grouped by Main Categories

Traffic and Access
  • Outdated Traffic Data: Reliance on outdated surveys.
  • Survey Methods: Scrutiny of survey methods for accuracy.
  • Feasibility of Mitigation Measures: Evaluation of proposed road improvements.
  • Cumulative Impact: Assessment of cumulative traffic impacts.
Flood Risk
  • Existing Flooding Problems: Ongoing flooding issues at Beechlands Road and Redhill junction.
  • Exacerbation of Flooding Issues: Concerns over increased flooding from new development.
  • Lack of Detailed Plans: Insufficient flood risk mitigation details.
Residential Amenity
  • Impact on Local Infrastructure: Strain on local services and amenities.
  • Safety and Accessibility: Risks from flooding affecting safety and access.

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Objection – 20240623 – 02 — Due to Inadequate Community Involvement and Lack of Trust.pdf

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Material Considerations Used in the Objection, Grouped by Main Categories

Public Opinion
  • Limited and Biased Consultation Reach: Insufficient and potentially biased community engagement.
  • Superficial Responses to Concerns: Developer’s inadequate responses to community concerns.
  • Manipulated Feedback: Lack of trust in the consultation practices.
  • Fear of Voicing Opinions: Residents fear repercussions for voicing concerns.

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ILLUSTRATIVE_LANDSCAPE_MASTERPLAN-1335985.pdf

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ILLUSTRATIVE_LANDSCAPE_MASTERPLAN-1335985

Summary

The plan includes:

  1. Proposed Site Boundary:
    • Delineates the boundaries of the development site.
  2. Existing Vegetation:
    • Shows existing trees and hedgerows that will be enhanced as part of the development.
  3. Proposed Plantings:
    • Native Hedgerows: New hedgerows using native species.
    • Native Hedgerow Trees: Planting of trees within the hedgerows.
    • Native Shrubs: Planting of various native shrubs.
    • Street Trees: Trees planted along the streets within the development.
    • Ornamental Shrub Planting: Decorative shrubs planted throughout the development.
  4. Grassland Areas:
    • Amenity Grassland: Grassy areas for general use and recreation.
    • Species Rich Grassland: Grassland areas with a variety of plant species to enhance biodiversity.
  5. Amenities and Pathways:
    • Benches: Placement of benches throughout the development for seating.
    • Play Area: Designated areas for children’s play.
    • Hoggin Path: Paths made from a compacted mixture of gravel, sand, and clay.

Weak Points:

Ratio of Natural to Developed Land:

  • The ratio of natural to developed land may not be sufficient to achieve the intended mitigation measures. The proposed landscape features may not adequately compensate for the loss of natural land, leading to a net negative impact on local biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Effectiveness of Mitigation Measures:

  • The proposed mitigation measures, such as planting native species and creating grasslands, might not be sufficient to offset the environmental impact of the development. Detailed impact assessments and more robust mitigation strategies may be required to truly compensate for the loss of natural habitats.

Impact on Local Hydrology:

  • The introduction of new planting areas and changes in land use could alter local hydrology. The plan does not detail how these changes might affect water runoff, drainage, or local water bodies.

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DEVELOPMENT_PARCEL_PARAMETER_PLAN_01-1335983.pdf

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Summary

Key Features:

  • Boundaries: The red outline indicates the site boundary.
  • Parcels: Different areas within the site boundary, indicating various uses.
  • Infrastructure: Roads, paths, and other infrastructure elements within the development area.

What aspects should be evaluated in relation to this document?

Environmental Impact

Green Space Preservation:

Evaluate how the development plans to preserve existing green spaces and natural habitats within the site boundary. Consider the impact on local biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Flood Risk Management:

Assess the strategies for managing flood risks, including the implementation of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). Ensure that these strategies are adequate to handle stormwater and prevent flooding.

Residential Amenity

Quality of Life for Residents:

Review how the design and layout of the housing parcels affect the quality of life for residents. Consider factors such as noise levels, privacy, access to sunlight, and proximity to amenities and green spaces

Public Amenities and Recreational Areas:

Evaluate the provision of public amenities, such as parks, playgrounds, and community centres. Ensure that there is sufficient space for recreational activities and community interaction.

Community Involvement:

Review the extent of community involvement in the planning process. Ensure that community feedback has been considered and incorporated into the development plans.

Impact on Local Community:

Assess the impact of the development on the existing local community. Consider factors such as changes in population density, demand for local services, and social cohesion.

Land Use

Land Use Distribution:

Evaluate the distribution of land uses within the development site. Ensure that there is a balanced allocation of space for residential, commercial, public, and green areas.

Sustainability of Land Use:

Assess the sustainability of the proposed land uses. Consider the long-term viability of the development in terms of environmental, social, and economic factors.

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ECOLOGICAL_IMPACT_ASSESSMENT-1335968.pdf

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ECOLOGICAL_IMPACT_ASSESSMENT-1335968

Summary

Key Points:

Surveys conducted between 2018 and 2024, including habitat and species-specific surveys. Identified 25 Important Ecological Features (IEFs), including habitats and species of local and regional importance. Recommendations include habitat protection, creation of wildlife corridors, and mitigation measures for light and noise pollution.

Summary:

The ecological impact assessment highlights the need for careful planning to protect local wildlife. Recommendations focus on minimising disturbance to habitats and implementing strategies to enhance biodiversity.

Weak Points:

  • Some data, including tube tests, are from 2018, raising concerns about their current relevance and accuracy.
  • Potential biases in survey methods and interpretations to favour the developer’s outcomes.
  • Mitigation measures may be optimistic and require thorough verification.

What aspects should be evaluated in relation to this document?

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Biodiversity and Habitat Preservation:

  • Evaluate how the development affects local biodiversity, including flora and fauna. Assess measures for preserving and enhancing habitats within the site.

Ecological Connectivity:

  • Review the impact on ecological corridors and connectivity between habitats. Ensure that wildlife movement and genetic exchange are not disrupted by the development.

Protected Species and Sites:

  • Identify any protected species and designated conservation areas within or near the development site. Evaluate the measures proposed to mitigate impacts on these protected entities.

Mitigation Measures:

  • Assess the effectiveness of proposed habitat creation and restoration efforts. Ensure that these measures will compensate for any habitat loss or degradation caused by the development.
  • Review the long-term management plans for maintaining and monitoring ecological features. Ensure that there are clear strategies for managing habitats and species over the lifetime of the development.
  • Evaluate the commitment to achieving biodiversity net gain. Ensure that the development will result in a measurable improvement in biodiversity compared to the pre-development baseline.

Monitoring and Reporting:

  • Review the plans for monitoring the ecological impacts of the development over time. Ensure that there are clear indicators and methods for assessing the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
  • Ensure that there are provisions for regular reporting to relevant authorities and stakeholders on the ecological performance of the development.

DESIGN AND APPEARANCE

Integration of Green Infrastructure:

  • Assess how green infrastructure, such as green roofs, walls, and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), is integrated into the design of the development. Ensure that these features contribute to ecological enhancement.

Landscape Design:

  • Review the landscape design for its contribution to ecological value. Ensure that native species are used, and that landscaping enhances habitat diversity and connectivity.

LOCAL AND NATIONAL PLANNING POLICIES

Local and National Planning Policies:

  • Verify that the ecological impact assessment aligns with relevant local and national planning policies, including those related to biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

Legislation and Regulations:

  • Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations, such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the Habitats Regulations. Review any required licenses and permits for working with protected species and habitats.

RESIDENTIAL AMENITY

Community Engagement:

  • Evaluate the extent of stakeholder and community involvement in the ecological assessment process. Ensure that local knowledge and concerns have been incorporated into the assessment and mitigation plans.
  • Assess opportunities for using the development to promote environmental education and recreation. Ensure that the design includes features that can engage and benefit the local community, such as nature trails and information boards.

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DESIGN_AND_ACCESS_STATEMENT-1335969.pdf

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DESIGN_AND_ACCESS_STATEMENT-1335969

Summary

Establishes:

Describes the proposed development, including design principles, access, and landscaping.
Provides a framework for sustainable high-quality development.
Incorporates pedestrian and vehicular access, emphasizing connectivity and sustainability.

Weak Points:

The proposed development includes two-storey houses, which may not align with the existing bungalow-style houses on Beechlands Road, potentially impacting local character.
Claims of sustainability and design quality may not fully address practical issues such as drainage and traffic impact.

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What aspects should be evaluated in relation to this document?

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COVERING_LETTER-1335946.pdf

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COVERING_LETTER-1335946

Summary

Establishes:

Outline Application Submission: Provides a summary of the outline planning application for up to 70 dwellings, including details about vehicular and pedestrian accesses, public open space, landscaping, and drainage.

Referenced Documents: Lists the documents and plans submitted as part of the application package, including transport assessment, ecological impact assessment, flood risk assessment, and more…

Weak Points:

General Information: The letter primarily provides an overview without detailed justifications or specific data. It refers to other documents for comprehensive details.

Potential for Overlooked Concerns: If the referenced documents do not fully address key concerns, there may be gaps in the application package.

Documents:

The covering letter for the planning application includes a comprehensive list of documents and plans submitted as part of the application package. Here are the documents and plans referenced:

  1. Application Form and Ownership Certificate (Certificate B)
  2. Planning Statement, incorporating:
    • Sustainability Statement
    • Affordable Housing Statement
    • s106 Heads of Terms (Prepared by SLR Consulting)
  3. Design and Access Statement (Prepared by Thrive Architects)
  4. Statement of Community Involvement (Prepared by SLR Consulting)
  5. Housing Land Supply Assessment (Prepared by Pegasus Group)
  6. Transport Assessment, incorporating:
    • Road Safety Audit (Prepared by iTransport)
  7. Framework Travel Plan (Prepared by iTransport)
  8. Flood Risk Assessment (Prepared by The Civil Engineering Practice)
  9. Utilities Statement (Prepared by The Civil Engineering Practice)
  10. Landscape and Visual Appraisal, including:
    • Associated viewpoint photographs
    • Designation plans (Prepared by SLR Consulting)
  11. Ecological Impact Assessment (Prepared by LC Ecological Services)
  12. Biodiversity Net Gain Metric (Prepared by LC Ecological Services)
  13. Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Method Statement (Prepared by Barrell Tree Consultancy)
  14. Tree Protection Plan (Prepared by Barrell Tree Consultancy)
  15. Manual for Managing Trees on Development Sites (By Barrell Tree Consultancy)
  16. Desk-Based Archaeology Assessment (Prepared by SLR Consulting)
  17. Phase 1 Geo-Environmental and Geotechnical Site Assessment (Prepared by Geo-Environmental)
  18. Lighting Plan (Prepared by Nulty Lighting)
  19. Noise Impact Assessment (Prepared by SLR Consulting)
  20. Sustainability Checklist (Prepared by SLR Consulting)
  21. Validation Checklist (Prepared by SLR Consulting)

What aspects should be evaluated in relation to this document?

LOCAL AND NATIONAL PLANNING POLICIES

Verify Compliance:

  • Ensure the covering letter confirms compliance with relevant local and national planning policies. This includes adherence to all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, obtaining necessary permits, and ensuring the development complies with zoning laws and environmental regulations.

Review Alignment with Policy Objectives:

  • Assess how the proposed development aligns with broader planning objectives outlined in local and national policies, including sustainability goals, housing needs, and infrastructure improvements.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES

Assess Impact on Infrastructure:

  • Evaluate how the proposed development will impact local infrastructure, including transportation, utilities, and public services. The covering letter should outline any plans to upgrade or expand infrastructure to accommodate the new development.

RESIDENTIAL AMENITY

Review Impact on Residents:

  • Consider how the development will affect existing residents. The covering letter should address potential impacts on noise levels, privacy, and access to amenities. It should also highlight any proposed measures to mitigate negative impacts on residential amenity.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Evaluate Environmental Considerations:

  • Assess how the development addresses environmental concerns. The covering letter should mention strategies for minimizing the environmental footprint, such as sustainable building practices, green spaces, and conservation efforts.

DESIGN AND APPEARANCE

Review Architectural and Landscape Design:

  • Examine the proposed architectural and landscape design elements. The covering letter should provide an overview of how the design complements the existing neighborhood and enhances the visual appeal of the area.

PUBLIC OPINION

Assess Community Involvement:

  • Evaluate the extent of community involvement in the planning process. The covering letter should detail any community consultations that have taken place and how feedback from residents has been incorporated into the development plans.

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