Planning – Application Comments

Consultation Date: Mon 08 Feb 2021

Consultation Date: Mon 08 Feb 2021

Consultation Date: Tue 16 Feb 2021

Consultation Date: Tue 06 Apr 2021

Consultation Date: Tue 06 Apr 2021

Comment Date: Tue 22 Dec 2020

From a highway viewpoint my observations on this pre-application enquiry mirror those expressed in the highway responses submitted previously in relation to prior notification change of use applications (20/01293/GPD and 20/01568/GPD). The over-riding concerns in relation to both of these applications and the current proposal relates to the sustainability of the site, with little opportunity to access the site by any other mode of transport other than by private car.

With a lack of footways on Staddon Lane and the nearest bus stop being located within the small village of Staddiscombe (some considerable distance away from the site and well outside the maximum walking distance of 400m), it is likely that all trips generated by the development would be car-borne. The lack of opportunity to access the site by sustainable transport modes is reflected in the over-reliance on the potential use of the private car, with each unit having access to either 3 or 4 off-street car parking spaces.

The development does little in addressing the requirements of Para 108 (a) of the NPPF in that'''appropriate opportunities to promote sustainable transport modes can be or have been taken up, given the type of development and its location'. Furthermore Para 110 (a) states that applications for development should a) give priority first to pedestrian and cycle movements, both within the scheme and with neighbouring areas; and second so far as possible to facilitating access to high quality public transport, with layouts that maximise the catchment area for bus or other public transport services, and appropriate facilities that encourage public transport use.

It is the view of the Local Highway Authority that the location of the site does not lead itself to the promotion of the use of sustainable modes of transport leading to an over-reliance on the use of the private car. The development is therefore contrary to the NPPF and Policy DEV29 of the Plymouth and South West Devon JLP March 2019 which refers to locating new homes in locations that can enable safe, secure walking, cycling and public transport access to local services and amenities. With the proposed dwellings only being accessible by private car, the development would lead to an increase in traffic movements on the local road network in the peak hours which, when considered cumulatively, would lead to an increase in queuing and delays. In view of these concerns regarding the sustainability of the site I would have to recommend this proposal for refusal for the reason stated below if it were to be made subject of a planning application:-

UNSUSTAINABLE LOCATION The site is considered to be isolated from other facilities needed for sustainable residential development and is distant from public facilities and is in excess of 400m from the nearest bus stop. The development of the site is therefore not considered to be sustainable in that the occupants of the units would be dependent on the private car as a means of getting to and from the site for almost all journeys. The proposals are therefore contrary to Policy DEV29 of the Plymouth and South West Devon JLP March 2019 along with paragraphs 108 and 110 of the NPPF.

I hope these comments are helpful.