Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Page Number:2 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Contents 1. Introduction and Background ....................................................... 4 2. Communications ......................................................................... 6 3. Surveys, Questionnaires & Consultations Summary ......................... 7 4. 5. 6. 3.1 Introduction ..................................................................... 7 3.2 Summary of Consultations and Surveys ............................... 7 Informal Public Consultations and Surveys ................................... 10 4.1 Initial Public Consultation ................................................. 10 4.2 Surveys ......................................................................... 10 4.3 NDP Questionnaire 2014 .................................................. 10 4.4 GRCC Housing Needs Survey ............................................ 11 4.5 Potterton Associates – Landscape Character Assessment ..... 11 Public Consultations .................................................................. 12 5.1 Pre-Submission Consultation Event – 27th June 2015 ........... 12 5.2 Pre-Submission Consultation Event – 3rd October 2015 ........ 12 5.3 Statutory Consultation ..................................................... 12 Human Rights Considerations ..................................................... 13 Appendices ..................................................................................... 14 A1 Stroud District Council – Local Plan Adoption Notification ..... 14 A2 Designation Area Application ............................................ 16 A3 Designation Area Certificate ............................................. 17 A4 Communications Strategy ................................................ 18 A5 Summary of Evidence Base Surveys .................................. 19 A6 Evidence Base Surveys – Sample Documents ..................... 20 A6.1 Evidence Base Surveys – Local Economy Survey ................. 21 A7 NDP Steering Group – Standing Orders .............................. 22 A8 Questionnaire 2014 ......................................................... 23 A9 Questionnaire Area Map ................................................... 27 A10 Questionnaire - Responses Summary ................................ 28 A11 Housing Needs Survey 2014 ............................................. 31 A12 Housing Needs Survey - Responses Summary .................... 35 A13 Pre-Submission Local Community Consultation – 27/06/15 .. 36 A14 Pre-Submission Local Community Consultation – 03/10/15 .. 40 A15 Statutory Consultation Responses ..................................... 41 Page Number:3 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement 1. 1.1 Introduction and Background This Consultation Statement has been prepared in accordance with The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (SI No. 637) Part 5 Paragraph 15 (2) which defines a “consultation statement” as, a document which – (a) contains details of the persons and bodies who were consulted about the proposed neighbourhood development plan; (b) explains how they were consulted; (c) summarises the main issues and concerns raised by the persons consulted; and (d) describes how these issues and concerns have been considered and, where relevant, addressed in the proposed neighbourhood development plan. 1.2 The Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan has been prepared in response to The Localism Act 2011, which gives parish councils and other relevant bodies, new powers to prepare statutory Neighbourhood Plans to help guide development in their local areas. These powers give local people the opportunity to shape new development, as planning applications are determined in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the Local District Development Plan, and now Neighbourhood Development Plans where in force. Other new powers include Community Right to Build Orders whereby local communities have the ability to grant planning permission for new buildings. 1.3 On 11th April 2013 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish Council formally approved the preparation of a neighbourhood plan and with help from Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC) plans were drawn up for an initial informal presentation to the parishioners of Whiteshill and Ruscombe in the Village Hall. 1.4 During July 2013 an application was made to Stroud District Council for the Whiteshill and Ruscombe parish to be designated as a neighbourhood planning area (see Designated Area Map at the start of this document). Following the required six week consultation period the application was approved by Stroud District Council’s Environment Committee on 12th September 2013. see Appendix A2 Designation Application Letter and Appendix A3 Designation Area Certificate 1.5 On the 23rd January 2014 a meeting of all parishioners who had previously indicated a willingness to join the NDP Steering Group took place. As a result of this meeting the NDP Steering Group was formed and charged with overseeing public consultations, organising further evidence gathering surveys and ultimately undertaking the preparation of the Plan. The formation of the Steering Group consisted primarily of Whiteshill and Ruscombe parishioners together with Page Number:4 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement representatives from the parish council. It was resolved that the Group would meet in the Village Hall on a monthly basis. 1.6 At the NDP Steering Group Meeting held on the 24th April 2014 it was resolved to form a smaller core Sub-Group consisting of five members from existing steering group with the objective of driving the project forward more quickly. 1.7 The Sub-Group was charged with the drafting of the Neighbourhood Development Plan document based upon evidence collected from all the surveys. The Draft NDP was presented to the full Steering Group on a regular basis. In addition, as the Draft Plan was produced it was updated to the website making it available to all interested parties. Page Number:5 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement 2. Communications 2.1 At the start of the project to produce a Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP), it was resolved to create a website (wr-neighbourhood-plan.co.uk) and this site has been updated regularly throughout the Plan development process. The evolving NDP has therefore been available for scrutiny and comment by parishioners of Whiteshill and Ruscombe and other interested parties throughout the duration of the project. The success of this site can be judged by the fact that shortly before submission of the final Plan to Stroud District Council the web site had had over 850 visitors. 2.2 In addition, a “Communications Strategy” for the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan was produced, see Appendix: A4 Communications Strategy. It has been this strategy that has defined the manner in which interested parties have been kept aware of the progress being made with the NDP. 2.3 The WaRbler is a quarterly magazine that is distributed free of charge to every household in the parish and the use of this medium has enabled the NDP Steering Group to ensure that details of the evolving Plan are available to all residents. Page Number:6 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement 3. Surveys, Questionnaires & Consultations Summary 3.1 Introduction 3.1.1 The following paragraphs summarize the surveys, questionnaires and consultations that have generated the evidence used to develop the policies contain in the final Neighbourhood Development Plan documents. As already stated above, at the start of the project to produce a Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP), it was resolved to create a website (wr-neighbourhoodplan.co.uk) and this site has been updated regularly throughout the Plan development process. 3.2 Summary of Consultations and Surveys 3.2.1 Initial Public Consultation:Date Held: Saturday 20th April 2013, Location: Village Hall Duration: 10:00 to 15:00 Style: Drop-In Consultation Purpose: This consultation was advertised in the WaRbler magazine and by the placement of posters located throughout the parish. The purpose of the event was to provide parishioners with an introduction to neighbourhood development plans and to recruit volunteers to carry out the various surveys. Comment: As a result of this consultation 25 volunteers were recruited to undertake the various surveys necessary and 12 of these volunteers came forward to form a Steering Group for the project. 3.2.2 NDP Surveys:Date Held: From May 2013 to January 2014 Location: Throughout Whiteshill & Ruscombe together with surrounding areas Duration: Variable Style: The initial surveys covering Streets, Landscape Character and Parish Boundaries were devised by GRCC. These were subsequently enhanced by the NDP Steering Group to include surveys covering the Natural Environment and the Local Economy. Purpose: To gather evidence on how the community viewed the environment in which they live, what they value about that environment and how they believe it should be developed in the future. This evidence, together with comments made by parishioners during the various public consultations, was used to develop the Neighbourhood Plan policies. Comment: The full evidence base resulting from the work carried out on these surveys can be viewed on the Neighbourhood Development Plan website (wr-neighbourhood-plan.co.uk). Page Number:7 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Based upon the comments arising from the various surveys, it was apparent that the overriding resolve of parishioners was to ensure that the villages of Whiteshill and Ruscombe remain distinctly separate from Stroud and other surrounding built environments. Further, they should retain their unique Cotswold character and that any new development should seek to employ “in-fill” and “brown field” sites rather than erode the surrounding countryside that defines the character of this AONB area. The policies devised by the NDP Steering Group seek to achieve those objectives. 3.2.3 Whiteshill & Ruscombe NDP Questionnaire 2014 and the Whiteshill & Ruscombe Housing Needs Survey 2014:Date Held: May 2014 to 20th June 2014, Location: 485 questionnaires were hand delivered to all properties along with a Freepost envelop for returning the completed surveys. 171 completed NDP Questionnaires were returned together with 168 Housing Need Surveys giving a response rate of approximately 35%. Duration: 25 days to complete and return questionnaires (additional time was allowed for late returns). Style: Printed questionnaires. NDP Questionnaire / Housing Needs Survey Purpose: This consultation, involving two questionnaires, was devised to gauge the views and needs of as many families in the parish as possible. The subjects covered in the NDP Questionnaire were derived from earlier responses to the 2010 Parish Plan questionnaires together with parishioners views expressed during informal discussions with members of the Steering Committee. Comment: As a result of this consultation the Steering Group were able to confirm the forward likely requirement for affordable housing in the parish. In addition they were able to confirm the desire for the villages of Whiteshill and Ruscombe remain distinctly separate from Stroud and other surrounding built environments. The results of the NDP Questionnaire can be found in Appendix A10 and the Housing Needs Survey results can be viewed from Appendix A12 3.2.4 Pre-Submission Consultation:Date Held: Saturday 27th June 2015, Location: Village Hall Duration: 10:00 to 15:00 Style: Drop-In Consultation Purpose: Development of the NDP reached the stage by June 2015 were it was deemed appropriate by the Steering Committee for the document and the policies it contained to be presented to parishioners for their Page Number:8 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement comment. Comment: The consultation attracted 74 visitors and the comments made and actions taken by the Steering Group as a result of those comments can be viewed in Appendix A13. 3.2.5 Final Pre-Submission Consultation:Date Held: Saturday 3rd October 2015, Location: Village Hall Duration: 10:00 to 15:00 Style: Drop-In Consultation Purpose: By early October 2015 the revised NDP had been updated to allow for amendments suggested by parishioners in the earlier consultations and also to reflect changes recommended by Rosemary Kidd of NPIERS. Finally, responses to the Statutory Consultation that can be viewed in Appendix 15, were incorporated into the NDP. At this stage the Steering Group decided to hold one further public consultation to allow the final NDP document to be viewed by parishioners prior to being accepted by the Parish Council and being submitted to Stroud District Council. Comment: This final public consultation attracted 42 visitors and the comments made can be viewed in Appendix A14. Page Number:9 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement 4. Informal Public Consultations and Surveys 4.1 Initial Public Consultation 4.1.1 Following the parish council decision to proceed with a neighbourhood development plan for Whiteshill and Ruscombe and with the assistance of GRCC a “Drop-In” event was held on Saturday 20th April 2013 in the Village Hall with the aim of involving as many from the local community as possible in the project. 4.1.2 In addition to identifying parishioners who would be willing to join a Steering Group, this initial “Drop-In” consultation event established those individuals prepared to undertake the numerous surveys needed to accumulate the required evidence base. 4.2 Surveys 4.2.1 With support from local parishioners (including children from the local primary school together with the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Cubs and Beavers) we undertook surveys covering the following topics; Serial Vision Local Landscape Character Survey Street Survey Neighbourhood Boundaries Natural Environment and Habitat Survey Natural Environment - Garden Survey Local Economy Survey 4.2.2 These surveys took some seven months to complete and it was not until January 2014 that all the surveys were finished. Details of all these surveys are available on the Neighbourhood Development Plan website (wr-neighbourhood-plan.co.uk). 4.3 NDP Questionnaire 2014 4.3.1 Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC) assisted Whiteshill & Ruscombe in the development and printing of their NDP Questionnaire which was distributed to all relevant parties including every residential and commercial property in the parish. Analysis of the responses to the Questionnaire was carried out by GRCC and provided the counts, percentages and summary report detailed in Appendix A10. The results of this analysis were used by the NDP Steering Group when formulating the policies contained within the Neighbourhood Development Plan document. Page Number:10 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement 4.3.2 Analysis of the questions concerning “open countryside” locations surrounding Whiteshill and Ruscombe was undertaken by the Neighbourhood Development Plan Steering Group. (Questions - 9.1, 9.2 and 11). Details of this analysis can be found on the Neighbourhood Development Plan website (wr-neighbourhood-plan.co.uk). 4.4 GRCC Housing Needs Survey 4.4.1 In March 2014 Whiteshill & Ruscombe Parish Council agreed to engage the services of the Rural Housing Enabler from GRCC to carry out a local Housing Needs Survey at the same time as Neighbourhood Development Plan. The Parish Council agreed to distribute the questionnaires to all residential properties in Whiteshill & Ruscombe Parish in May 2014. Analysis of the responses to the House Needs Survey was again carried out by GRCC and provided the counts, percentages and summary report detailed in Appendix A12. As with the NDP Questionnaire, the results of this analysis were used by the NDP Steering Group when formulating the policies contained within the Neighbourhood Development Plan document. 4.5 Potterton Associates – Landscape Character Assessment 4.5.1 In April 2014 Whiteshill & Ruscombe Parish Council agreed to engage the services of Potterton Associates to carry out a formal Landscape Character Assessment of the NDP Designated Area. This survey was carried out during May 2014 and the final results of the survey were presented to the NDP Steering Group at the end of June 2014. 4.5.2 The community of Whiteshill & Ruscombe believes firmly that the landscape and public vistas surrounding the parish need to be conserved. This belief is endorsed by the Potterton Associates Limited - Landscape Appraisal which emphasises the importance of public vistas and conserving the AONB together with green-field sites (Report pages 7, 9, 10). 4.5.3 The full results of the Potterton Associates Survey can be viewed on the Neighbourhood Development Plan website (wr-neighbourhood-plan.co.uk). Page Number:11 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement 5. Public Consultations 5.1 Pre-Submission Consultation Event – 27th June 2015 5.1.1 With the Neighbourhood Development Plan nearing the stage where it would be ready for a pre-submission presentation to Stroud District Council, we arranged to hold a Consultation Event for residents of the parish. 5.1.2 This event took place on Saturday 27th June 2015 between the hours of 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in the Whiteshill & Ruscombe Village Hall. 5.1.3 Following extensive advertising that included emails being sent via the parish electronic mailing list, posters located throughout the parish and two large 2 metre banners we attracted over seventy residents to the “drop-in” event. See Appendix A13 5.2 Pre-Submission Consultation Event – 3rd October 2015 5.2.1 At the beginning of October 2015 the Neighbourhood Development Plan has reached a stage where it is about to be submitted to Stroud District Council. Prior to submission we arranged to hold a Final Consultation Event for residents of the parish. 5.2.2 This event took place on Saturday 3rd October 2015 between the hours of 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in the Whiteshill & Ruscombe Village Hall. 5.2.3 Following similar advertising as undertaken for the initial pre-submission consultation we attracted over forty residents to the “drop-in” event. It was encouraging that the residents attending this second event included very few who came in June which meant that we had reached a far wider audience. See Appendix A14 5.3 Statutory Consultation 5.3.1 A list of all statutory consultees that needed to be consulted regarding the Whiteshill & Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan was provided by Stroud District Council. These consultees were supplied with copies of the draft plan, where possible by email. In those cases where no email address was supplied they were contacted via the postal service. Where no response was received, towards the end of the statutory consultation period a follow-up reminder letter was sent. 5.3.2 The replies from the statutory consultees together with the responses from the Whiteshill & Ruscombe NDP Steering Group can be viewed at Appendix A.15. Page Number:12 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement 6. Human Rights Considerations With regard to Human Rights legislation and the consultation opportunities of “hard to reach groups”, information concerning the neighbourhood development plan has been advertised in the WaRbler, when relevant. In addition all meetings relating to the Plan have been advertised on the village notice boards at least one week prior to the meeting taking place. The WaRbler is a quarterly parish magazine that is hand delivered to every property in the parish. The telephone number of the chair of the NDP Steering Committee has appeared in the magazine enabling those without access to a computer or the internet and who are housebound to make contact with the NDP Steering Group as necessary. Page Number:13 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Appendices A1 Stroud District Council – Local Plan Adoption Notification Page Number:14 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Page Number:15 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement A2 Designation Area Application Page Number:16 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement A3 Designation Area Certificate Page Number:17 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement A4 Communications Strategy Page Number:18 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement A5 Summary of Evidence Base Surveys Page Number:19 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement A6 Evidence Base Surveys – Sample Documents Page Number:20 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement A6.1 Evidence Base Surveys – Local Economy Survey A6.1.1 There are limited employment opportunities within the parish. The majority of the present day working population is employed in the service industries with a substantial proportion in managerial or professional roles. As a result the majority of the working population travel outside the parish to their place of work. A6.1.2 The Local Businesses & Trade Survey was circulated to every property in the parish via the Autumn 2014 edition of The WaRbler and as such all of the following community organisations received copies of this survey together with the Neighbourhood Development Plan Questionnaire: Ruscombe and Whiteshill Community Shop St Paul’s Church Ruscombe Chapel and School Room Whiteshill Primary School Whiteshill Scout Hut (Whiteshill & Ruscombe Cubs, Beavers and Brownies) Whiteshill and Ruscombe Allotments Association The Star Inn Whiteshill Village Hall A6.1.3 There were only 7 responses to the Local Businesses & Trade Survey with the broadband speed in the area being the greatest cause for concern. The Parish Council continues to address this issue with the appropriate authorities. A6.1.4 Whilst the Neighbourhood Development Plan seeks to encourage development that will increase employment opportunities, there are only limited options available in the parish to make this an achievable objective. Page Number:21 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement A7 NDP Steering Group – Standing Orders Page Number:22 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement A8 Questionnaire 2014 With the help of GRCC an NDP Questionnaire was produced and hand delivered to all properties in the parish towards the end of May 2014. The deadline for the return of completed questionnaires via the supplied freepost envelop was Friday 20th June 2014. A total of 171 responses from the 485 questionnaires delivered giving 35% response. Page Number:23 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Page Number:24 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Page Number:25 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Page Number:26 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement A9 Questionnaire Area Map Page Number:27 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement A10 Questionnaire - Responses Summary Page Number:28 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Page Number:29 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Page Number:30 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement A11 Housing Needs Survey 2014 GRCC undertook a Housing Needs Survey that was hand delivered to all properties in the parish at the same time as the NDP Questionnaire towards the end of May 2014. The deadline for the return of completed questionnaires via the supplied freepost envelop was Friday 20th June 2014. A total of 168 responses from the 485 questionnaires delivered giving 35% response. Page Number:31 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Page Number:32 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Page Number:33 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Page Number:34 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement A12 Housing Needs Survey - Responses Summary A12.1 The 2014 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Housing Needs Survey was formulated and carried out by Gloucestershire Rural Communities Council on behalf of the NDP Steering Group. Their analysis of responses to the survey indicates that at the time of the survey there would be a possible need for 5 additional affordable homes in the parish during the coming 5 years. A12.2 Whiteshill & Ruscombe parish currently has a total of 42 affordable dwellings available for rent from Stroud District Council and one dwelling managed by a Housing Association. During the 5 years when the identified possible need could occur it is very likely that a number of the existing affordable dwellings will become available. Given that none of the respondents who indicated they may be in need of affordable housing were registered with Gloucestershire Homeseeker service it is probable that the existing affordable housing stock in Whiteshill and Ruscombe will be able to satisfy demand for the foreseeable future. A12.3 The full Responses Summary can be accessed from the website by clicking on the following link: (Housing Needs Responses Summary) Page Number:35 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement A13 Pre-Submission Local Community Consultation – 27/06/15 A13.1 The following table details the un-edited written comments submitted by those attending the Pre-Submission Consultation Event held in the Village Hall on Saturday 27th June 2015: Comment Number Un-edited Visitor Comments NDP Steering Group Comment Built Environment Policies - Comments Comment BE-1: The priority for Whiteshill / Ruscombe is to retain the rural character of the area. New development in and around the villages should not be permitted. The priority should be for new development to be located in Stroud / Stonehouse where it can contribute to regeneration or exploit accessibility to transport infrastructure. Comments noted Comment BE-2 The Map Area Results are dangerous (and statistically questionable!!) because they give the impression that lower rated areas are somehow suitable for development. Comment noted however the Steering Group do not agree with this conclusion. Comment BE-3 There needs to be a policy to control the boundary treatment of properties (particularly where they adjoin the highway). High wooden fences are beginning to spring up on highway boundaries detracting from the traditional dry-stone wall boundaries that are part of the area’s visual character. Comment noted Comment BE-4 Small number of new houses built to blend in with existing buildings are needed to keep the village growing with more opportunities of housing for younger people. Comment noted Comment BE-5 The development in Cashes Green by the architect from “Grand Designs” is worth emulating. It has a warm and inviting feeling and a sense of community. Comment noted Comment BE-6 Need houses that can be bought on low incomes, not necessarily rented or shared ownership. Comment noted Local Facility Policies - Comments Comment LF-1 Existing facilities for cultural, leisure, community and social needs could also include The Star (Public House). Comments noted and reference included in NDP Comment LF-2 Need to recognise The Star (Public House) as an important community facility. (At least four others agreed with this comment). Comments noted and reference included in NDP Page Number:36 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Comment LF-3 The Village Shop and The Star (Public House) are also village facilities. Loss of either would greatly affect the other facilities (chair Village Shop Committee). Comments noted and reference included in NDP Comment LF-4 The Playing Field opposite the shop is also a village facility. Lovely play area for the younger children. More needed for older children and perhaps adults. Static exercise bikes and equipment which would fit in with the natural look. I have seen this done successfully abroad. Comments noted and as at November 2015 these suggestions are being investigated by the parish council. Comment LF-5 Facilities for senior citizens needed - user friendly access to bespoke housing of smaller type properties near village shop. A thriving community hub for social and sports events. Comments noted and reference included in NDP Comment LF-6 The Playing Field / Children’s Play Area is an essential part of the village, as an open space, social sports facility, school sports and a focal point for our (all too occasional) village parties. Comments noted Comment LF-7 Should the school also be listed under local facilities or is it counted elsewhere? The small, friendly village school is far more important than just the “pupil capacity” - which could be all that county level decisions look at. Comments noted and as at November 2015 is under investigation by the parish council. Comment LF-8 Better signposting for the Village Shop and Playing Fields to promote the fantastic views. This is being investigated by the village shop committee Comment LF-9 Outside seating area for the Village Shop. Comments noted Local Economy Policies - Comments Comment LE-1 Improved Broadband speed would be appreciated. Agree, high speed broadband would be useful. November 2015 being investigate by parish council Comment LE-2 Superfast Broadband essential! As above Transport & Communications Policies - Comments Comment TC-1 As the village shop is important as a hub for the villages, it would help enormously to have access improved via the footpath from Ruscombe. Especially for push-chairs as people travelling to the school from Ruscombe currently have to drive. Can access be made through the farm or styles removed? Comment noted Comment TC-2 20mph speed limit is a good thing but needs enforcing or additional traffic calming. Comment noted Page Number:37 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Comment TC-3 20mph should be enforced through a camera - even the buses speed! More 20mph signs should be placed around Ruscombe, drivers forget it covers such a large area. Comment noted Comment TC-4 We had approx. 1 minute walk down Main Road to get to the village hall and got passed by 3 very fast cars in that short time. The maximum speed has improved a little since the reduced limit, but still needs enforcement. Comment noted Comment TC-5 Continue 20mph and support further traffic calming measures. Comment noted Comment TC-6 20mph limit at the top of the village should start at Hill Farm and be 30mph from the Bird-in-Hand. Comment noted Comment TC-7 Also need to consider the number of large vehicles that pass down Main Road. Applying width / weight restrictions between Edge and Paganhill might address this problem. Comment noted Comment TC-8 Adequate provision of off-road parking in new developments means applying higher parking standards than generally provided in Gloucester County Council policies, given the lack of suitable on-road parking in most of this area. Comment noted Comment TC-9 Strongly support the need to retain frequent bus services to Stroud / Gloucester. There is a need for later services to meet evening trains from London. Comment noted Comment TC-10 Bus services needed later than 18:30 to Stroud. Comment noted Comment TC-11 Support the ½ hour bus service. Seating is needed at bus stop just up from the village shop, passengers are often elderly. Comment noted Comment TC-12 Maintenance of existing paths is necessary- Bishop’s Walk especially which is over-grown and dangerous (potentially) due to uneven surface. Comment noted Comment TC-13 Visibility and the narrowness of roads could be improved by the removal of weeds / plants in walls and verges that should be trimmed back to wall lines and pavements. Comment noted Comment TC-14 More public parking spaces needed, either in a new configuration of the parking area by the village shop or elsewhere if necessary. Comment noted Page Number:38 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Landscape Character Policies - Comments Comment LC-1 It is important to retain dry-stone walls and other traditional field boundaries - both within the villages and the wider countryside. High wooden fences on the boundary between properties and the highway should not be permitted. Comment noted Comment LC-2 In order to maintain stone walls the weeds and vegetation must be removed or they will bring the wall down Comment noted Natural Environment Policies - Comments Comment NE-1 The village playing field has lots of biodiversity including orchids. Can it be a local nature reserve? Comment noted, already protect by Fields in Trust Comment NE-2 Like the natural look in the churchyard. (Comment on NE1 above) Comment noted Comment NE-3 Can the clarity of the 2 maps be improved? Comment noted and map has been revised to give more clarity. General Comments General Comment 1 Just that I agree with the Proposed Plan and all the very good comments made. Thank you for all your hard work in putting on this display. Comment noted Page Number:39 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement A14 Pre-Submission Local Community Consultation – 03/10/15 A14.1 The following table details the un-edited written comments submitted by those attending the Pre-Submission Consultation Event held in the Village Hall on Saturday 3rd October 2015: Comment Number Un-edited Visitor Comments NDP Steering Group Comment Local Facility Policies - Comments Comment LF-1: The Chapel Schoolroom is surely outside the remit of the Parish Council being on land owned by the U.R. Church? Isa the schoolroom fully utilised anyway? Comment noted Comment LF-2 Is the Village Shop included in the “Local Facilities Policy”? The Village Shop is included in the Local Facilities Policy Landscape Character Policies - Comments Comment LC-1: 2 a) b) & c) is an interesting aim but the reality is that any past support by the Parish Council has been very weak. I suspect this is due to the fact that our village council has very little “power” when it comes to planning outcomes. Comment noted Comment LC-2 In order to maintain stone walls the weeds and vegetation must be removed or they will bring the wall down Comment noted Page Number:40 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement A15 Statutory Consultation Responses A15.1 The following table details the responses received from the list of Statutory Consultees. This consultation took place for the statutory six weeks from 10th September 2015 to 23rd October 2015: Statutory Consultees Neighbourhood Planning Regs. 2012 (a) where LPA is a London borough council, (b) a local planning authority, county council or parish council any part of whose area is in or adjoins the area of the LPA; Organisation Contacts & Comments Received Not applicable Not applicable Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service Fire Service HQ Waterwells Drive Quedgeley Gloucester GL2 2AX Community Engagement Gloucestershire Constabulary Police Headquarters No 1 Waterwells Quedgeley Gloucester GL2 2AN 01452 753 333 fire@glosfire.gov.uk No comment received Mark Murphy (Crime Prevention Design Advisor) 01452 752363 Mark.Murphy@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Helen, Thank you for the opportunity to read and review the proposed plan. The Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan is a very comprehensive document which addresses numerous planning requirements. Having read through the document I found the opening description of the two villages and the surrounding area would be complimented by the inclusion of photographs of the listed buildings, the community resources and public spaces. Not knowing the area with any depth, it took me a while to establish where the villages are and their relationship with other conurbations. Anyone looking to use this plan for development purposes would also find it difficult to know the boundaries of your parish, could I propose the inclusion of a map detailing the location and boundary of the policy area. The informative section relating to the history and local characteristics was interesting but could be improved with photographs of each building and a map showing their position within each village. Not only would this illustrate the location and the character detail of these important buildings, but it would set a visual palette for any future planning proposals. I am concerned by the lack of any crime prevention or security requirements within the plan. Especially when you consider that in the last 2 years, 39 crimes have been reported in and around both villages ranging burglary, criminal damage, assault and possession of drug. With this in mind the NDP should offer a policy or requirement to ensure the safety of each resident or visitor and the security of every property. I would be happy to meet with you to discuss this further should you need further information. Regards Page Number:41 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Mark Murphy Crime Prevention Design Advisor Community Engagement, Police Headquarters, Gloucester 01452 752363 (Comments re maps & photos noted & changes included in Final NDP Version. With regard to crime prevention, the NDP supports the Local Plan Policy BE1 Clause 6 that “new development takes account of the need to reduce crime” also see the following link http://www.securedbydesign.com/ web site) Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire No.1 Waterwells, Waterwells Drive Quedgeley, GL2 2AN Gloucestershire County Council Shire Hall Westgate Street Gloucester GL1 2TG PCC Martin Surl 01452 754348 pcc@gloucestershire.police.uk No comment received Mr Nigel Riglar (nigel.riglar@gloucestershire.gov.uk) Mr Robin Drake (robin.drake@gloucestershire.gov.uk) Mr Robert Niblett (robert.niblett@gloucestershire.gov.uk) Mr Simon Excell (simon.excell@gloucestershire.gov.uk) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------16th October Dear Madam Thank you for consulting Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) on the above matter I have the following officer level comments to make. Archaeology Comments No comments Ecology Comments Given the proposals in the draft consultation version of the NDP the need for a SEA or HRA appears unlikely. We can see that a natural environment review of the area has formed part of the evidence base which included contact with the Local Records Centre, GCER. The main objectives include items for the natural environment are worthy and appropriate. This is an area of important county biodiversity as is evident by the land that is designated as Key Wildlife Sites, extent of priority habitat and the large number of priority species recorded. The retention of green space, landscape character, ecological networks (wildlife corridors) are being given high value in the proposed NDP. The proposals have consistency with the Local Nature Partnerships Strategic Framework for Green Infrastructure and there is reference to the Gloucestershire Nature Map (Whiteshill SNA but also note there is a small part of Standish Park SNA relevant to the NDP too). Proposed Policy W&R-BE1: Built Environment: Open Spaces includes encouragement for new landscaping and habitat conservation and enhancement. Proposed Policy W&R-LC1: Landscape Character seems reasonable given the AONB presence. Proposed policy W&RNE1: Natural Environment is quite comprehensive and is appropriate given the assets the NDP area has which should be protected and enhanced in any future but modest development. Highway Comments Some suggested modifications to the policies:W&R-TC1: Transport and Communications Policy: Page Number:42 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement 1. Future developments will mitigate any identified severe significant impacts on highway infrastructure the transport network. 2. Developments should be compatible with: a) should not have a severe impact on the existing road infrastructure; b) that are likely to significantly increase traffic movements should contribute towards the the need for provision of turning points and passing places on the parish’s narrow lanes; c) should promote sustainable transport by providing the access to public transport facilities and services, where it is practical to do so; d) should provide adequate provision of off-road parking where displaced parking demand is likely to result in highway safety problems and; e) should promote sustainable transport by providing ready access to local facilities especially on by foot or and by bicycle, where it is practical to do so. 3. Opportunities will be sought to improve pedestrian safety, particularly on the Main Road north of the crossroads with Kitesnest and Ruscombe Road. The draft plan needs a map - at least a location map and ideally one showing major land uses - and B) there is no ref to the fact that Whiteshill and Ruscombe are located in a north/ south corridor which local traffic between Brookthorpe and Stroud resorts to when the M5 corridor or other major roads are congested, and that this may become more frequent as Stroud District, including Stonehouse, accommodate projected growth. This has implications for quiet road characteristics in the area which may need to be identified or safeguarded. Flood Risk Comments The LLFA will, if requested to do so, provide advice to Local Planning Authorities on the management of surface water and associated flood risk relating to major planning applications. If you would to discuss any of the points raised above please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you Rob Niblett Planning Officer Harescombe Parish Council 14 Marefiled Close Barnwood Glos GL4 3TU Pitchcombe Parish Council Wayside Whiteway Stroud Glos (Comments noted & changes included in Final NDP Version) Debbie Hill - Clerk Email: harescombepc@aol.com No comment received Ms L Pitchford – Clerk Tel: 01285 821992 Email: clerkpitchcombepc@hotmail.com No comment received Page Number:43 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Painswick Parish Council Town Hall Victoria Square Painswick Stroud, Glos Mr R Balgobin - Clerk Tel: 01452 812722 Fax: 01452 812722 Email: clerkpainswickpc@hotmail.com No comment received Stroud Town Council Thanet House 58 London Road Stroud GL5 2AD 13th October 2015 Hello Helen Your plan was discussed at our Consultations Committee meeting last night. They had no comments or objections. Regards Helen Bojaniwska Town Clerk, Stroud Town Council, Thanet House, 58 London Road, Stroud GL5 2AD Tel: 01453 762817 www.stroudtown.gov.uk No comment. Randwick Parish Council, Rising Sun Cottage Chapel Fields Randwick Stroud Gloucestershire, GL6 6HT Cainscross Parish Council, 85 Westward Road Ebley Stroud Gloucestershire GL5 4JA Mr B Parsons - Clerk 07930 548529 clerk.randwick@btinternet.com No comment received Mrs Jeni Marshall - Clerk 01453 756036 clerk.cpc@btconnect.com Helen I am sorry this is the first time I have seen the document so I apologise for not replying. My next Full Council meeting is not until the 26 October and therefore too late for your deadline. Many apologies but I have just checked my old emails and can’t find anything about this. Jeni Marshall Clerk to Cainscross Parish Council 01453 756036 www.cainscross-pc.gov.uk No comment received Standish Parish Council Mulberries Post Office Hill Amberley Stroud, Gloucestershire Haresfield Parish Council The Forge Haresfield Stonehouse Ms Jo Barber – Clerk 07817 377640 clerkatstandishpc@hotmail.co.uk No comment received Ms M King – Clerk Tel: 01452 721635 Email: haresfieldpc@gmail.com No comment received Page Number:44 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Stroud District Council Ebley Mill Ebley Wharf Stroud GL5 4UB Mr Ricardo Rios – Neighbourhood Planning Officer 01453754339 Ricardo.rios@stroud.gov.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Black = NDP Section or Policy Blue = Comment Red = Recommendation Green = Action General Comment The Emerging Stroud District Local Plan is very close to adoption. Until the plan is adopted, it is important to note that it may be subject to change. Whilst the advice we give you is based on the most up-to-date information we have, it is still subject to change in the future. You should avoid repeating and/or referring to local plan policies, wherever possible, to ensure your NDP does not refer to incorrect information following modifications and/or the adoption of the Local Plan. Comment Noted ……………………………………………………………………………………… The Objectives Conserve the open spaces that separate Whiteshill and Ruscombe from other settlements. It is unclear what is meant by the term “open spaces”. This is usually meant to refer to recreation areas, but it appears from the rest of the sentence that open spaces actually means countryside, and not the usual definition. Replace the term “open spaces” with “open countryside”. “Open spaces” changed to “open countryside” with a definition of “open countryside” included at the start of the NDP. ……………………………………………………………………………………… Community Feedback Any new housing developments comprising 4 or more properties should consist of at least 50% affordable homes (61% agreed). Although laudable as an ambition, 50% affordable housing is unlikely to be viable on sites other than rural exception sites, hence the Local Plan policy seeking 30%. The aspiration should reflect policy CP9 or evidence that 50% is viable should be provided. Policy changed to 30% ……………………………………………………………………………………… Page Number:45 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Types of Housing The community supports the precept that when several houses are to be built on a given site a suitable mix of homes should be offered ranging from accommodation for single people to family homes See emerging Local Plan CP7. When a development constitutes more than 5 properties then 30% should be in the form of affordable (low cost) housing. Affordable’ and ‘low cost’ have separate and distinct definitions in the NPPF. Local Plan Core Policy CP9 seeks affordable housing provision on sites of 4 or more dwellings, not 5 as stated. Please delete reference to low cost and amend wording of this section to: When a development constitutes 4 or more properties then 30% should be in the form of affordable housing. Requested change applied. ……………………………………………………………………………………… Types of Housing It should be noted that there are 43 existing houses in the parish providing low cost rented accommodation offered by Stroud District Council and a Housing Association. This represents nearly 9% of the total number of dwellings in Whiteshill & Ruscombe. ‘Affordable’ and ‘low cost’ have separate and distinct definitions in the NPPF. Rents for council properties and housing association properties are usually referred to as ‘social rent’ or ‘affordable rent’. Please delete reference to low cost and amend wording of this section to: It should be noted that there are 43 existing houses in the parish providing social and affordable rented accommodation offered by Stroud District Council and a Housing Association. This represents nearly 9% of the total number of dwellings in Whiteshill & Ruscombe. Requested change applied. ……………………………………………………………………………………… W&R-BE1: Built Environment Policy: Open Spaces 1. Developments that erode the green spaces which separate the settled areas of the Parish and neighbouring parishes will not be permitted*. The Council does not support policies that seek to introduce blanket restrictions to rural areas that go beyond normal countryside policies. Such approach is considered unacceptable and overly onerous. It does not allow for special circumstances. It does not recognise the kind of development that would not necessarily be inappropriate development. Page Number:46 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement The overly restrictive nature of this approach creates a significant and fundamental conflict with the NPPF because it prohibits development, in a particular area, having no regard to how sustainable that development may be. This policy is also in conflict with Local Plan policy HC4 which deals with exception sites to meet local housing need. By definition policy HC4 supports development outside the defined settlement limits in exceptional circumstances. The Council’s approach towards preventing coalescence is set out under Policy CP15 – A Quality Living and Working Countryside. Our approach recognises the role and function of “open countryside” in protecting the separate identity of settlements and the quality of the countryside. Policy CP15 sets out guiding principles that allow for sustainable development to take place whilst achieving the aim of protecting the separate identity of settlements in a manner that is compatible with national planning policy. The information contained within your Landscape Appraisal may allow you to identify important characteristics of the area that will help to define the separate identity of settlements and the quality of the countryside. Clarify objective and review approach. Replace the term “open spaces” with “open countryside”. The information contained within your Landscape Appraisal may allow you to identify important characteristics of the area that will help to define the separate identity of settlements and the quality of the countryside. Policy WR-BE1 has been revised to clarify the objective in the light of the Landscape Appraisal as suggested. ……………………………………………………………………………………… W&R-BE1: Built Environment Policy: Open Spaces 4. Development that respects and enhances local landscapes and maintains valued public views and vistas will be supported This section repeats criterion 2 from Policy LC1. Delete Criterion 4 from BE1 and retain criterion 2 from LC1. Requested change applied. ……………………………………………………………………………………… Page Number:47 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement W&R-BE2: Built Environment Policy: Building Standards and Design 6. The inclusion of Rainwater Harvesting and Utilisation Systems will be a requirement in all new build properties in order to reduce dependency on the existing sewage system and mitigate the risk of flooding. The Council considers this requirement too onerous. The NDP evidence base does not have any information on how such a requirement could impact on viability. Criterion 5 of Policy W&R-NE1: Natural Environment Policy already requires the adoption of best practice in Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and water quality. Delete criterion 6 Requested change applied. ……………………………………………………………………………………… Local connection criteria The eligibility criteria are that a person who, at the date of the affordable dwelling being advertised: 1. has been resident within the Parish of Whiteshill and Ruscombe for a continuous period of three years within the preceding five years or six months in the preceding twelve months other than not of his own choice (not including serving with regular armed forces of the Crown) or 2. is permanently employed within the Parish of Whiteshill and Ruscombe or is moving to the Parish to take up an offer of permanent employment or 3. has a close family member ( e.g. parent or child or sibling ) who is living and has lived in the Parish of Whiteshill and Ruscombe for a continuous period of five years immediately preceding the date of advertising the Affordable Dwelling. 4. Because of special circumstances. These eligibility requirements comply with the Housing Act 1996 Part VI – the Allocation of Housing Accommodation The criteria set down could be seen as overly prescriptive and as drafted does not allow for cascades to adjoining parishes and the wider district. Without these cascades, development is highly unlikely to take place. The Council considers the local connection criteria unnecessary. Criterion 3 from W&R-BE3 already provides adequate guidance with the necessary flexibility to ensure the viability of development is not compromised. Page Number:48 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Delete Local Connection Criteria or provide evidence that local connection criteria do not compromise affordable housing viability in the NDP area. Requested change applied. ……………………………………………………………………………………… W&R-LF1: Local Facilities Policy General Comment The health check suggested the inclusion of specific projects to be taken forward in your policy. If you intend to do this, you could reword your policy in a manner similar to Kingswood (see below), which supports future provision in accordance with identified priorities: POLICY GSC1: PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND RECREATION SPACE The provision of additional community facilities at Kingswood Playing Field will be strongly supported, including: • a graffiti wall • a youth shelter • further play equipment • toilets for playing field users. The extension of Kingswood Playing Field to support additional formal recreation will be strongly supported. Improvements to and extension of Kingswood Village Hall to provide additional space for community activities will be strongly supported. The provision of formal off-road parking for users of Tubbs Turf will be supported. Improvements and new provision should seek to provide for the range of needs of all sectors of the community. These priorities will be reviewed regularly in accordance with “Project List” updated and approved following formal resolution from the Parish Council. Please consider including specific projects to ensure the NDP policy adds value to existing local policies Comment has been noted but we have already included a proposed project for future consideration under the Built Environment – Associated Projects Section. These projects will be taken forward by the Parish Council as and when appropriate. ……………………………………………………………………………………… Local Economy The Council’s Regeneration Officer (Business) with a role specifically focused on economic development made the following comments: 1. There doesn’t seem to be a lot related to economic development within the plan due to the nature of the parish. One query would be the distinction between the scope of the NDP and the ‘Associated Projects’ to be taken forward by the parish council Page Number:49 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement a) Could the NDP play a role in identifying/suggesting areas where small business units could be set up and whether there is demand? b) Similarly with the potential for a Community Business Hub? 2. On the broadband front, according to the Fastershire website at www.fastershire.com a number of exchanges within the parish have now been enabled with fibre broadband, permitting access to superfast broadband. Please consider whether the NDP could play a role in relation to points a) and b). Comment has been noted however the response to the NDP Local Economy Survey sent to all properties in Whiteshill & Ruscombe resulted in just 4 responses. Of these 2 suggested that a local business directory would be a good idea. There was no support for a local business hub or for a small business park project. With regard to broadband, it is currently hit and miss as to whether the property you live in has acceptable broadband speeds. It would appear that the vast majority of the parish still suffers from an appalling service that is far below what would be needed to run a successful business. ……………………………………………………………………………………… W&R-LC1: Landscape Character Policy 2. Development will be supported where it; a) conserves the landscape and scenic beauty of the parish and the key characteristics of this part of the Cotswold’s AONB b) does not result in the loss of open spaces and cherished public views from inside and outside of the parish c) does not adversely impact on existing green horizons The guidance on producing character assessments will give you a useful template to identify and present valued features such as views, vistas and green horizons: http://www.stroud.gov.uk/docs/planning/planning_strategy.asp#s= sectioncontent5&p=nbhood,npcharachter Please use templates to identify valued views, vistas & green horizons See associated “Green Horizons” document. ……………………………………………………………………………………… W&R-NE1: Natural Environment Policy 5. Adopt best practice in Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and water quality. The Council’s Water Resources Engineer has reviewed this section and raised no issues. No action required Comment noted Page Number:50 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement (c) the Coal Authority(a); See section 1 of the Coal Industry Act 1994 (c.21). Planning and Local Authority Liaison Department The Coal Authority 200 Lichfield Lane Mansfield Nottinghamshire NG18 4RG 0345 762 6848 planningconsultation@coal.gov.uk (d) the Homes and Communities Agency(b); See section 2 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c.17). (e) Natural England(c); See section 1 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c.16). Homes and Communities Agency 2 Rivergate Temple Quay Bristol BS1 6EH mail@homesandcommunities.co.uk Natural England Customer Services Hornbeam House Crewe Business Park Electra Way Crewe Cheshire CW1 6GJ T 0300 060 3900 26 October 2015 Our ref: 165296 & 164440 No comment received No comment received Dear Ms Dunn and Mr Rios 165296 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan 164440 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitat Regulations Assessment Screening Thank you for your consultations on the above, dated 11 September 2015 and 2 September 2015 respectively. We have responded to the consultations together for ease of understanding. I apologise for the lateness of this response. Natural England is a non-departmental public body. Our statutory purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development. Comments on the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan W&R-BE1: Built Environment: Open Spaces we welcome point 5, on the inclusion of natural landscaping and features to benefit local biodiversity. We welcome the inclusion of the section on ‘Landscape Character’ (page 34) and the policy W&R-LC1: Landscape Character Policy. We welcome the prominence given to the parish’s location within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). We note that there is a section entitled Rodborough Buffer Zone included here that is currently blank. We suggest that this section could be better covered under the heading ‘Natural Environment’ (page 41). Natural England welcomes the ‘Natural Environment’ section (page 41) and policy W&R-NE1: Natural Environment Policy. We particularly welcome the background on significant habitat and on protected and UK BAP Priority species. We welcome the recognition of the importance of connectivity in the NDP and its inclusion in point 4 of policy NE1 which promotes the restoration, enhancement or creation of priority habitat where appropriate. Strategic Environmental Assessment – Screening Where Neighbourhood Plans could have significant environmental effects, they may require a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) under the Environment Assessment of Plans and Programmes Page Number:51 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Regulations 2004. Further guidance on deciding whether the proposals are likely to have significant environmental effects and the requirements for consulting Natural England on SEA are set out in the National Planning Practice Guidance at: http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/strat egic-environmental-assessment-and-sustainability-appraisal/does-aneighbourhood-plan-require-a-sustainability-appraisal/ Natural England is satisfied that the Council’s conclusion that further SEA is not required is appropriate. Habitats Regulations Assessment If the adoption of this Neighbourhood Plan is timetabled to take place after the adoption of the Local Plan, then we are satisfied that the conclusion of the HRA Screening is appropriate. However, if this Neighbourhood Plan is timetabled for adoption before the Local Plan, then the Local Plan cannot be relied upon in this way. In the absence of an adopted Local Plan, the Neighbourhood Plan can only proceed if adequate avoidance and mitigation measures can be secured at the neighbourhood plan level. Given the late stage in Local Plan production, we would recommend delaying the adoption of this Neighbourhood Plan until after the Local Plan is adopted. This would allow the Neighbourhood Plan to rely on the HRA of the Local Plan and on measures secured in the Local Plan. Rodborough Common SAC We note that half of the NDP area is within the 3km zone of influence for Rodborough Common Special Area of Conservation (SAC); a European nature conservation site. As noted in the Screening Report, any growth in this zone would need to meet the requirements set out in the Interim Mitigation Strategy. Cotswold Beechwoods SAC Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish is located approximately 4km from the Cotswolds Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation (SAC); a European nature conservation site. There is growing awareness of the potential for growth across Stroud District, Tewkesbury Borough, Gloucester City and the Cotswolds Borough to result in additional recreational pressures on the Cotswold Beechwoods SAC. Natural England is at the start of a process to better understand the nature and scale of these potential impacts, and what action, if any, is required. Due to the nature of this issue, we will be working closely with the relevant Local Authorities as mentioned above. Policy ES6 in Stroud District’s emerging Local Plan provides for the protection of all European sites. As this Neighbourhood Plan sits below the Local Plan and is in accordance with it, we would therefore consider that policy ES6 provides adequate protection for the SAC, whilst our collective understanding emerges. However, as the Local Plan has not yet been adopted, this policy cannot yet be relied upon to ensure the protection of the SAC. Therefore as specified above, we recommend delaying the adoption of this Neighbourhood Plan until after the Local Plan is adopted. If our understanding of the recreational impacts on the Cotswold Beechwoods SAC has moved on by the time the NDP is finalised or when planning permission is sought, then the best available information at that time would need to be considered. Therefore further Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) could still be required at a later date. Page Number:52 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement The Severn Estuary SAC/SPA/Ramsar site Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish is located approximately 9km from the Severn Estuary Special Area of Conservation (SAC) / Special Protection Area (SPA) / Ramsar site; these are European level nature conservation designations. Based on the best available information at this time (which includes the work undertaken in inform the emerging Stroud District Local Plan) Natural England advises that the Whiteshill and Ruscombe NDP is unlikely to have a significant effect on the Severn Estuary SAC/SPA/Ramsar site. It can therefore be screened out from further assessment at this stage. However, Stroud District Council is currently commissioning work to investigate the effects of recreation on the estuary. If it were established that visitors to the estuary are having an effect and that people are coming from distances greater than 4km in significant numbers, it may be necessary for the development to contribute to agreed mitigation measures. If these investigations have been completed before the NDP is finalised or when planning permission is sought, then the best available information at that time would need to be considered. Therefore further Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) could still be required at a later date. We would be happy to comment further should the need arise but if in the meantime you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us. For any queries relating to the specific advice in this letter only please contact Hayley Fleming on 0300 060 1594. For any new consultations, or to provide further information on this consultation please send your correspondences to consultations@naturalengland.org.uk. We really value your feedback to help us improve the service we offer. We have attached a feedback form to this letter and welcome any comments you might have about our service. Yours sincerely Comments have been noted (f) the Environment Agency(d); See section 1(1) of the Environment Act 1995 (c.25). Environment Agency West Area Office Riversmeet House Northway Lane Tewkesbury Gloucestershire GL20 8JG shwgplanning@environment-agency.gov.uk anita.bolton@environment-agency.gov.uk CONSULTATION ON WHITESHILL AND RUSCOMBE NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN. Thank you for your consultation with respect to the emerging Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP), which was received on 11 September 2015. As you may be aware, we have recently provided comments to Stroud District Council on a SEA/HRA Screening Opinion document, and agreed with the council’s conclusions presented within the report that following the analysis undertaken, a SEA and/or HRA of the Whiteshill and Ruscombe NDP was not required. For the full report Page Number:53 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement dps1.rtf (g) the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England (known as English Heritage) (e); See section 32 of the National Heritage Act 1983 (c.47). NP schedule of information sources.doc English Heritage 29 Queens Square Bristol BS1 4ND Printed copies of the above report can be obtained from Stroud District Council. Comments have been noted David Stuart 01179750680 David.stuart@historicEngland.org.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Ms Dunn Thank you for your consultation on this Draft Plan. We have not had any prior involvement in the Plan preparation process and so this is our first opportunity to familiarise ourselves with the community’s aspirations for its area. Our observations can be summarised as follows: 1. Policy W&R-BE1 (p19) makes provision in point 3 that proposals to demolish existing under-utilised or disused buildings will be supported. This policy is caveated by policy W&R-BE3 which in point 1 which requires designated heritage assets to be preserved and enhanced. While the latter may provide a safety net for designated assets there is no mention of the preservation or enhancement of undesignated heritage assets. This suggests that such assets can be demolished under BE1 but such a potentially sweeping liability is contrary to the statutory provisions for the historic environment in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and no doubt to Local Plan policy. It also runs counter to the thrust of the neighbourhood plan which details and celebrates the rich and diverse defining character of the area, not only in the Built Environment section but throughout the document. While it is true that the area does not have many designated heritage assets this only emphasises the value of and important contribution made to the area by its undesignated heritage assets. 2. Point 1 of Policy BE1 in fact adds little to the provisions of the NPPF; indeed, in the addition of its qualification – “where possible” – to the statutory imperative to preserve or enhance heritage assets it could be interpreted as diluting that imperative, thereby not being in conformity. 3. We would therefore encourage your community to reflect on the drafting of policy BE1, to ensure basic conformity with overarching planning policy but also to see if it can more meaningfully respond to and make provision for the preservation and enhancement of locally significant undesignated heritage assets. In doing this thought could also be given to how such assets might be identified. Relevant officers at Stroud District Council will no doubt be able to advise on this issue in more detail. 4. I have attached a list of information sources which may be useful. Page Number:54 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Kind regards David Stuart David Stuart | Historic Places Adviser South West Direct Line: 0117 975 0680 | Mobile: 0797 924 0316 Historic England | 29 Queen Square | Bristol | BS1 4ND Comments have been noted and an additional policy has been added to Policy W&R-BE3 to cover non-designated heritage assets. Further, an appendix has been included defining the criteria to be used for identifying non-designated heritage assets. (h) Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (company number 2904587); Network Rail Infrastructure Limited Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9AG property@networkrail.co.uk Town Planning Team South West Western House, 1 Holbrook Way, Swindon, SN1 1BD. 01793 389 610 amanda.hoyland@networkrail.co.uk townplanningwestern@networkrail.co.uk Lydia.whitaker@networkrail.co.uk Claire Mahoney Claire.Mahoney@networkrail.co.uk No comment received (i) the Highways Agency; (j) the Marine Management Organisation(f); See section 1 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c.23). Highways Agency Temple Quay House 2 The Square Temple Quay Bristol BS1 6HA Mr N Chapman 0300 123 5000 neil.chapman@highwaysengland.co.uk Sharpness Port Authority Navigation House Sharpness Dock Berkeley Gloucestershire GL13 9UD 01453 811 862 18th September 2015 Dear Helen, Thank you for consulting Highways England on your draft Development Plan. We have no comment to make. Regards Gaye Fairfield, Asset Manager Highways England | Temple Quay House | 2 The Square, Temple Quay | Bristol | BS1 6HA Tel: +44 (0) 117 3728526 | Mobile: + 44 (0) 7867372967 Web: http://www.highways.gov.uk GTN: 1371 8526 No comment 16 September 2015 Dear Sir or Madam, Re: Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Plan Thank you for inviting the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to comment on the above consultation. I can confirm that the MMO has no comments to submit in relation to this consultation as Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Plan is not within our remit. If you have any questions or need any further information please just let me know. More information on the role of the MMO can be found on our website www.gov.uk/mmo Yours faithfully, Adam Kennedy Assurance Officer Email: consultations@marinemanagement.org.uk No comment Page Number:55 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement The Marine Management Organisation As above stakeholder@marinemanagement.org.uk Angela.Atkinson@marinemanagement.org.uk (k) any person— (i) to whom the electronic communications code applies by virtue of a direction given under section 106(3)(a) of the Communications Act 2003; and (ii) who owns or controls electronic communications apparatus situated in any part of the area of the local planning authority; Mono Consultants Ltd (acting on behalf of the Mobile Operator Association) Merlin House Brunel Road Theale Berkshire RG7 4AB No comment Ginny Hall Senior Planner 0141 270 2733 dpm@monoconsultants.com No comment received Mono Consultants Ltd (acting on behalf of the Mobile Operator Association) Merlin House Brunel Road Theale Berkshire RG7 4AB Ginny Hall Senior Planner 0141 270 2733 dpm@monoconsultants.com 02 (UK) Ltd (Telefonica UK Limited) 260 Bath Road Slough Berkshire SL1 4DX Above Net Communication UK ltd Brandon House 180 Borough High Street London SE1 1LW AT&T Telecommunications Highhfield House Headless Cross Redditch B97 5EQ BT Group Plc BT Centre 81 Newgate Street London EC1A 7AJ Orange Personal Communication Services Ltd St James Court Great Park Road Almondbury, Bradley Stoke Bristol, BS32 4QJ No comment received No comment received enquiries@above.net uk_plant_enquiries@above.net No comment received No comment received No comment received No comment received Page Number:56 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement (i) a Primary Care Trust established under section 18 of the National Health Service Act 2006(a) or continued in existence by virtue of that section; Primary Care Trust replaced by the following: NHS England, Director of Public Health, Clinical Commissioning Group, Health and Wellbeing Board Public Health Telewest Communications (Cotswolds) Ltd The Network Centre Staverton Technology Park Cheltenham GL51 6TQ Tiscali UK Ltd Breckland Linford Wood West Milton Keynes MK14 6LB T-Mobile UK Ltd Hatfield Business Park Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 9BW Vodafone The Connection Newbury Berkshire RG14 2FN NHS England Bath, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire Area Team 1st Floor, Bewley House Marshfield Road Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 1JW No comment received NHS South West South West House Blackbrook Park Avenue Taunton Somerset TA1 2PX Gloucestershire PCT Edward Jenner Court 1010 Pioneer Avenue Gloucester Business Park Brockworth Gloucester GL3 4FE Director of Public Health for Gloucestershire Shire Hall Westgate Street go@southwest.nhs.uk No comment received No comment received No comment received england.contactus@nhs.net No comment received No comment received enquiries@glos.nhs.uk No comment received Dr Peter Brambleby 01452 328496 peter.brambleby@gloucestershire.gov.uk Page Number:57 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Clinical Commissioning Groups Health and Wellbeing Boards (ii) a person to whom a licence has been granted under section 6(1)(b) and (c) of the Electricity Act 1989(b); Gloucester GL1 2TG NHS Gloucester Sanger House 5220 Valiant Court Gloucester Business Park Brockworth Gloucester GL3 4FE Gloucestershire Health and Wellbeing Board Shire Hall Westgate Street Gloucester GL1 2TG Western Power Avonbank Feeder Road Bristol BS2 0TB No comment received Npower Centre Oak House Bridgewater Road Warndon Worcester WR4 9FP Wales and West Utilities Wales and West House (2nd floor) Spooner Close Celtic Springs Newport NP10 8FZ National Grid (c/o Amec) No comment received GLCCG.enquiries@nhs.net shona.arora@gloucestershire.gov.uk No comment received sarah.scott@gloucestershire.gov.uk No comment received apritchard@westernpower.co.uk No comment received Mr Steve Gray steve.gray@wwutilities.co.uk No comment received Julian Austin n.grid@amec.com Dear Sir / Madam Whiteshill & Ruscombe Parish Council: Neighbourhood Plan 2015 - 2031 SUBMISSION ON BEHALF OF NATIONAL GRID National Grid has appointed Amec Foster Wheeler to review and respond to development plan consultations on its behalf. We are instructed by our client to submit the following representation with regards to the above Neighbourhood Plan consultation. About National Grid National Grid owns and operates the high voltage electricity transmission system in England and Wales and operate the Scottish high voltage transmission system. National Grid also owns and operates the gas transmission system. In the UK, gas leaves the transmission system and enters the distribution networks at high pressure. It is then transported through a number of reducing pressure tiers until it is finally delivered to our customer. National Grid own four of the UK’s gas distribution networks and transport Page Number:58 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement gas to 11 million homes, schools and businesses through 81,000 miles of gas pipelines within North West, East of England, West Midlands and North London. To help ensure the continued safe operation of existing sites and equipment and to facilitate future infrastructure investment, National Grid wishes to be involved in the preparation, alteration and review of plans and strategies which may affect our assets. Specific Comments An assessment has been carried out with respect to National Grid’s electricity and gas transmission apparatus which includes high voltage electricity assets and high pressure gas pipelines. National Grid has identified that it has no record of such apparatus within the Neighbourhood Plan area. Key resources / contacts National Grid has provided information in relation to electricity and transmission assets via the following internet link: http://www2.nationalgrid.com/uk/services/land-anddevelopment/planning-authority/shape-files/ The electricity distribution operator in Stroud District Council is Western Power Distribution, whilst the gas distribution operator is Wales and West Utilities. Information regarding the transmission and distribution network can be found at: www.energynetworks.org.uk Please remember to consult National Grid on any Neighbourhood Plan Documents or site-specific proposals that could affect our infrastructure. We would be grateful if you could add our details shown below to your consultation database: Julian Austin Consultant Town Planner n.grid@amecfw.com Amec Foster Wheeler E&I UK Gables House Kenilworth Road Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 6JX Laura Kelly Town Planner, National Grid laura.kelly@nationalgrid.com National Grid House Warwick Technology Park Gallows Hill Warwick CV34 6DA Comments have been noted. (iii) a person to whom a licence has been granted under section 7(2) of the Gas Act 1986(c); AMEC Environment & Infrastructure Limited Gables House Kenilworth Road Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 6JX British Gas Connections Ltd 30 Causeway Staines Middlesex Julian Austin (Consultant Town Planner) 01926 439091 n.grid@amec.com As above Comments have been noted No comment received Page Number:59 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement (iv) a sewerage undertaker TW18 3BY ES Pipelines Ltd Hazeldean Station Road Leatherhead Surrey KT22 7AA SSE Pipelines Ltd 55 Vastern Road Reading Berkshire RG1 8BU The Gas Transport Company Ltd Woolpit Business Park Woolpit Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP30 9QU United Utilities Network Ltd Haweswater House Lingley Mere Buisiness Park Great Sankey Warrington Cheshire WA5 3LP Severn Trent Severn Trent Centre 2 St John's Street Coventry CV1 2LZ No comment received No comment received No comment received No comment received Ms Dawn Williams (Commercial Development Assistant) 02477 715 000 27th October 2015 Thank you for giving Severn Trent Water the opportunity to comment the above consultation. We currently have no specific comments to make, but please keep us informed when your plans are further developed when we will be able to offer more detailed comments and advice. In the mean time I hope the following statement will reassure you of our obligations. Position statement As a water company we have an obligation to provide water supplies and sewage treatment capacity for future development. It is therefore important for us to work collaboratively with Local Planning Authorities to provide relevant assessments of the impacts of future developments. For outline proposals we are able to provide general comments. Once detailed developments and geographically site specific location are decided by local councils we are able to provide more specific comments and modelling of the network if required. For most developments we do not foresee any particular issues; however where we consider there may be an issue we would discuss in further detail with the local planning authority. We will complete any necessary improvements to provide additional capacity once we have sufficient confidence that a development will go ahead. We do this to avoid making investments on speculative developments so as to minimise customer bills. Kind regards Dawn Page Number:60 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Dawn Williams Growth & Water Efficiency Analyst 07554114125 mobile Growth.development@severntrent.co.uk Comments have been noted (v) a water undertaker; Severn Trent Severn Trent Centre 2 St John's Street Coventry CV1 2LZ Ms Dawn Williams (Commercial Development Assistant) 02477 715 000 dawn.williams@severntrent.co.uk Asset protection team: jasveer-kaur.jeer@severntrent.co.uk As above Comments have been noted Bristol Water Plc corporate.affairs@bristolwater.co.uk No comment received Wessex Water gillian.sanders@wessexwater.co.uk planning.liaison@wessexwater.co.uk 11th September Thank you for your consultation – please can you redirect to Severn Trent Water. Whiteshill and Ruscombe is not within our statutory area and as such we have no comments to make. Regards Gillian Sanders Comments have been noted (m) voluntary bodies some or all of whose activities benefit all or any part of the neighbourhood area; Gay-Glos PO Box 171 Gloucester GL1 4YE 01452 306800 Campaign for the Protection of Rural England Community House 15 College Green Gloucester Gloucestershire GL1 2LZ Ruth Dence (Chair) 01453 883973 (Pippa Schwartz, Secretary) chairstroud@cpreglos.org.uk Cotswold Conservation Board The Old Prison Fosseway Cheltenham GL54 3JH Andrew Lord (Planning Officer) 01451 862004 andrew.lord@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk No comment received No comment received 8_Appendix A Position Statement on Neighbourhood Plans (Final Version for Board Approval).doc Page Number:61 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Dear Sir/Madam, RE: Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Plan Consultation. Thank you for consulting the Cotswolds Conservation Board on your Neighbourhood Plan. From the 1st October the Board has approved a Position Statement for use (see attached) that provides additional guidance for Neighbourhood Plan preparation. We do recommend where possible to cross reference our additional guidance within our Management Plan and Position Statements. I hope the above and attached is of assistance. With thanks Andrew Lord MA BA (Hons) MRTPI Planning and Landscape Officer Cotswolds Conservation Board Comments have been noted Stroud Preservation Trust 6 Castle Villas Stroud Gloucestershire GL5 2HP Camilla Hale 01453 766 273 sricam2000@yahoo.com National Trust (Stroud Centre) The Ebworth Centre Camp Stroud Gloucestershire GL6 7ES Royal Society for the Protection of Birds South West Regional Office Keble House Southernhay Gardens Exeter, Devon EX1 1NT Severn Wye Energy Agency Unit 15 Highnam Business Centre Highnam Gloucester GL2 8DN 01452 810 055 woodchesterpark@nationaltrust.org.uk No comment received No comment received 01392 432 691 No comment received Andy Bull (Head of Regional Strategy & Planning) 01597 829658 AndyB@severnwye.org.uk No comment received Page Number:62 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Sport England 21 Bloomsbury Street London WC1B 3HF Tom Bowkett Planning Administrator T: 020 7273 1768 F: 01509 233 192 E: Tom.Bowkett@sportengland.or g Sport England (South Local Government Relationship Manager Jim Barrett - 020 7273 1855 jim.barrett@sportengland.org 11th September Thank you for consulting Sport England on the above Neighbourhood Consultation. Planning Policy in the National Planning Policy Framework identifies how the planning system can play an important role in facilitating social interaction and creating healthy, inclusive communities. Encouraging communities to become more physically active through walking, cycling, informal recreation and formal sport plays an important part in this process and providing enough sports facilities of the right quality and type and in the right places is vital to achieving this aim. This means positive planning for sport, protection from unnecessary loss of sports facilities and an integrated approach to providing new housing and employment land and community facilities provision is important. It is important therefore that the Neighbourhood Plan reflects national policy for sport as set out in the above document with particular reference to Pars 73 and 74 to ensure proposals comply with National Planning Policy. It is also important to be aware of Sport England’s role in protecting playing fields and the presumption against the loss of playing fields (see link below), as set out in our national guide, ‘A Sporting Future for the Playing Fields of England – Planning Policy Statement’. http://www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning/planning-forsport/development-management/planning-applications/playingfield-land/ Sport England provides guidance on developing policy for sport and further information can be found following the link below: http://www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning/planning-forsport/forward-planning/ Sport England works with Local Authorities to ensure Local Plan policy is underpinned by robust and up to date assessments and strategies for indoor and outdoor sports delivery. If local authorities have prepared a Playing Pitch Strategy or other indoor/outdoor sports strategy it will be important that the Neighbourhood Plan reflects the recommendations set out in that document and that any local investment opportunities, such as the Community Infrastructure Levy, are utilised to support the delivery of those recommendations. http://www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning/planning-forsport/planning-tools-and-guidance/ If new sports facilities are being proposed Sport England recommend you ensure such facilities are fit for purpose and designed in accordance with our design guidance notes. http://www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning/toolsguidance/design-and-cost-guidance/ If you need any further advice please do not hesitate to contact Sport England using the contact details below. Comments have been noted Page Number:63 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Sustrans 2 Cathedral Square College Green Bristol BS1 5DD Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust 16 Waterside 44 - 48 Wharf Road London N1 7UX Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust Reservoir Road Gloucester GL4 6SX 0117 926 8893 Rupert.Crossbee@sustrans.org.uk No comment received 020 7566 6480 No comment received Secretary, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust 01452 383333 Colin.studholme@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk No comment received (n) bodies which represent the interests of different racial, ethnic or national groups in the neighbourhood area; (o) bodies which represent the interests of different religious groups in the neighbourhood area (p) bodies which represent the interests of persons carrying on business in the neighbourhood area Stroud Youth Council Ebley Mill Ebley Wharf Stroud GL5 4UB Cotswold Canals Trust The Bell House Wallbridge Stroud GL5 3JS steve.miles@stroud.gov.uk 01453 754 504 GlosREC(Racial Equality Council) 15 Brunswick Road Gloucester GL1 1HG 01452 301290 enquiries@glosrec.org.uk Equality South West Somerset College Wellington Road, Taunton Somerset TA1 5AX Please identify relevant bodies within your area. 01823 240 260 info@equalitysouthwest.org.uk Confederation of British Industry South West 2 Caspian Point Caspian Way Cardiff Bay Cardiff, CF10 4DQ Deborah Waddle (Director) 029 2097 7600 Deborah.waddle@cbi.org.uk No comment received Jack Telling (Company Secretary) 01453 825 709 jwtelling@aol.com No comment received Does not exist anymore No comment received No comment received Page Number:64 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Home Builders Federation HBF House 27 Broadwall London SE1 9PL National Housing Federation 101 Victoria Street Bristol BS1 6PU 020 7960 1600 info@hbf.co.uk No comment received Jenny Allen (External Affairs Manager for the South West) jenny.allen@housing.co.uk 0117 929 7388 07775 722 258 No comment received Federation of Small Businesses Cotswold Branch Unit 9 Cirencester Office Park Tetbury Road Cirencester Gloucestershire GL7 6JJ Russell Warner (Cotswold Branch Chair) 07760 207 194 Thank you for sending me your NDP as part of the consultation process. The FSB supports the draft LE1 policy to help local growth and economic prosperity. LE1: Local Economy Policy: 1. Enterprise development which is of a size and scale that does not demonstrably have a significant and adverse effect upon the character, infrastructure and environment of the villages will be encouraged. 2. The employment of local trades’ people on projects located within the designated area with the aim of mitigating transport congestion and the carbon footprint of the parish will be encouraged. You may also wish to incorporate some additional specific points in your policies on encouraging home working. Supporting home working helps reduce congestion on the roads (as recognised in the Draft Plan on page 27) as well as giving people even more of a stake in their community if they both live and work there. The FSB agrees with the comments (and has lobbied for High Speed Broadband throughout the country) as it is a critical enabler of business development both from home and from business premises. Overall the FSB supports your plan and I wish you well in progressing your NDP to the next stage. Best regards Russell Warner Chair FSB - Cotswold Branch Comments have been noted Road Haulage Association Third Floor, Shore House Westbury Hill Westbury on Trym Bristol BS9 3AA gfirst Local Enterprise Partnership The Growth Hub Oxstalls Campus Oxstalls Lane Gloucester, GL2 9HW 0117 962 5616 midlands-western@rha.uk.net No comment received Peter Carr (Deputy Chief Executive) 01242 715 480 info@gfirst.co.uk No comment received Page Number:65 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement Stroud Chamber of Trade and Commerce Fiona Mills Carolyn (Vice Chair) 01453 759 297 fiona@moonflower@icloud.com No comment received (q) bodies which represent the interests of disabled persons in the neighbourhood area Allsorts PO Box 3092 Stroud GL6 1GN Rachel Levay (Project Manager) 07980 750 915 rachel@allsortsglos.co.uk No comment received Disability Rights UK Ground Floor CAN Mezzanine 49-51 East Rd London, N1 6AH Carers Alliance Carers Gloucestershire 2nd Floor 35 St Michael’s Square Gloucester GL1 1HX Adult Carers United Carers Gloucestershire 2nd Floor 35 St Michael’s Square Gloucester GL1 1HX Gloucestershire Older Persons Association c/o 28 Byfords Close Huntley Gloucester GL19 3SA Care and Repair (Stroud) 23a Willow Road Stonehouse Gloucestershire GL10 2DS 020 7250 8181 enquiries@disabilityrightsuk.org Gloucestershire Voices 30A Lansdown Stroud Gloucestershire GL5 1BG Janet 07531 588333 01453 768827 gloucestershirevoices@hotmail.co.uk No comment received Jacky Martel 01452 386 283 jmartel@carersgloucestershire.org.uk No comment received Sarah Everitt 01452 872240 severitt@carersgloucestershire.org.uk No comment received Jim Rollinson (Secretary) GOPA4672@hotmail.co.uk No comment received Jane Creed (Manager) 01453 753471 general@careandrepairstroud.co.uk No comment received No comment received Page Number:66 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Consultation Statement General Consultation Bodies Stagecoach Group plc 10 Dunkeld Road Perth PH1 5TW Kevin Sharp (Operations Manager) Stagecoach in Cheltenham & Stroud Kevin.sharp@stagecoachbus.com 01242 544123/ 07880 054 940 No comment received Royal Mail Group Communications 100 Victoria Embankment London EC4Y 0HQ Post Office Property Holdings 03457 740 740 No comment received 0345 611 2970 No comment received END Page Number:67