STATEMENT OF
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
PROPOSED
DEVELOPMENT AT
SOUTH
LOUGHBOROUGH
Date: December 2012
Prepared by: Victoria Walker
Beattie Communications Ltd
46 The Calls
Leeds
LS2 7EY
Phone: 0113 2130 300
Fax: 0113 2130 301
www.beattiegroup.com
victoria.walker@beattiegroup.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0
INTRODUCTION
3
2.0
POLICY CONTEXT
4
3.0
APPROACH TO CONSULTATION
10
4.0
FLYER AND FREEPOST QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
20
5.0
PUBLIC CONSULTATION RESPONSES
24
6.0
CONSULTATION FEEDBACK
30
7.0
RESPONSE TO CONSULTATION FINDINGS
33
8.0
SUMMARY
37
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
Stakeholder database
APPENDIX B
Correspondence with stakeholders and businesses
APPENDIX C
Flyer and freepost comment form
APPENDIX D
Details of flyer delivery areas
1.0
INTRODUCTIONOCTION
1.1
The purpose of this Statement of Community Involvement is to outline the stages
of consultation undertaken with various stakeholders in the formulation of
development proposals for two applications in South Loughborough. It is prepared
for the applicant; Parkers of Leicester Ltd.
1.2
The Design and Access Statements set out the approach to development at the
site and takes on board comments from the various consultation events held to
engage with the local community.
1.3
The consultations were undertaken for both sites together even though they form
separate planning applications. Both schemes represent departures from the
existing Local Plan (2004) and are in advance of the adoption of the Core Strategy
and therefore the views of the public are considered important in informing the
process.
1.4
The purpose of the programme of public consultation was to supplement the
statutory consultation process as well as to respond to recent planning guidance in
terms of interaction with the public as part of the planning process.
1.5
Accordingly, this Statement sets down the public consultation undertaken to
support two outline planning applications for the proposed developments.
This Statement is structured as follows:
3

Policy Context;

Background and Approach to Consultation;

Pre-application Consultation;

Consultation Findings;

Issues and Themes;

Implementation and Rationale.
TION
2.0
POLICY CONTEXTOCTION
2.1
Introduction
2.1.1
This section of the Statement provides a succinct overview of recent Government
policy and guidance in relation to community involvement in the planning system.
2.2
Community Involvement in Planning: The Government’s Objectives (February 2004)
2.2.1 “Community Involvement in Planning: The Government’s Objectives” outlines the Government’s aim to build on the opportunities that local people have for participation in the key decisions about their area. Paragraph 1.3 states that:
“Such involvement should enable the local community to say what
sort of place they want to live in at a stage when this can make a
difference.”
2.2.2 Paragraph 1.4 outlines the case for community involvement in planning and states:
4

Involvement leads to outcomes that better reflect the views and
aspirations and meet the needs of the wider community in all its
diversity.

Public involvement is valuable as a key element of a vibrant,
open and participatory democracy.

Involvement improves the quality and efficiency of decisions by
drawing on local knowledge and minimising unnecessary and
costly conflict.

Involvement educates all participants about the needs of
communities, the business sector and how local government
works.

Involvement helps promote social cohesion by making real
connections with communities and offering them a tangible
stake in decision making.
2.3
Charnwood Borough Council’s Statement of Community Involvement
2.3.1 It is a requirement of the 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act that
planning authorities produce a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).
The document highlights that the SCI should:

Explain clearly the process and methods for community involvement for
different types of local development documents and for the different stages
of plan preparation.

Identify which umbrella organisations and community groups need to be
involved at different stages of the planning process, with special
consideration given to those groups not normally involved.

Explain the process and appropriate methods for effective community
involvement in the determination of planning applications and where
appropriate refer to Planning Performance Agreements.
2.3.2 Charnwood Borough Council’s SCI was adopted in January 2006 and it highlights
that for developments that may be locally controversial, on sensitive sites or are
significant in scale it is considered that local communities should have additional
opportunities to be informed about and comment on the proposals. In these
instances, developers are strongly advised to consult with the local community
before submitting a planning application.
2.3.3 The SCI recognises that there will be different views on what is considered
significant or sensitive development and provides a table to identify the range of
applications where the council may encourage developers to undertake pre
application consultation. These tables are shown below:
5
2.3.4 The SCI explains that the table shown above provides an indication of the forms of
pre and post submission consultation which may be considered for particular types
of application in addition to the statutory requirements for consultation. It is not
prescriptive. The extent and nature of additional consultation will depend on the
particular circumstances of the application and Council resources.
2.3.5 Where proposals fall within the categories detailed above, applicants are
encouraged to discuss the possible form of community consultation with the
Borough Council at an early stage..
6
2.4
The Localism Act
2.4.1
The Localism Act 2011, which received Royal Assent on 15 November 2011,
contains a wide range of measures to devolve more powers to councils and
neighbourhoods and give local communities greater control over local decisions.
2.4.2
Part 6 Chapter 4 outlines consultation requirements setting out the requirement to
carry out pre-application consultation where:
(a) A person proposes to make an application for planning permission for the
development of any land in England, and:
(b) The proposed development is of a description specified in a development
order.
2.4.3
It states the requirements for public consultation are as follows:

The applicant must publicise the proposed application in such a manner that it
will bring the proposed application to the attention of a majority of the persons
who live at, or otherwise occupy, premises in the vicinity of the land.

The applicant must consult each person specified in a development order
about the proposed application by:
(a) Setting out how the person (“P”) may be contacted by persons wishing to comment on, or collaborate with P on the design of, the proposed
development, and;
(b) Giving such information about the proposed timetable for the
consultation as is sufficient to ensure that persons wishing to comment on
the proposed development may do so in good time.
2.4.4
The Act also outlines a duty to take account of responses to consultation as part of
a future application.
2.4.5
The development order associated with this provision of the Act has not yet been
published. However it is probable that this statutory requirement will extend to
planning applications the scale of that now proposed.
7
2.5
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) March 2012
2.5.1
The NPPF sets out the Government’s new planning policies for England and how
these are expected to be applied. It provides a framework within which local people
and their accountable councils can produce their own distinctive local and
neighbourhood plans, reflecting the needs of their communities.
2.5.2 The document outlines the importance of pre-application engagement and front
loading.
Paragraph 118 states:
“Early engagement has significant potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning application system for all parties. Good quality preapplication discussion enables better coordination between public and private
resources and improved outcomes for the community.”
2.5.3 The document encourages pre-application discussions with other consenting
bodies to ascertain if a particular development is acceptable in principle and to
resolve issues at pre-application stage.
Paragraph 189 states:
“Local planning authorities have a key role to play in encouraging other parties to take maximum advantage of the pre-application stage. They cannot require that a
developer engages with them before submitting a planning application, but they
should encourage take-up of any pre-application services they do offer. They
should also, where they think this would be beneficial, encourage any applicants
who are not already required to do so by law to engage with the local community
before submitting their applications.”
8
2.6
Summary
2.6.1
Community participation is a key objective in the Government’s reform of the planning system. This is supported by Charnwood Council’s Statement of Community Involvement.
2.6.2
A decision was therefore taken by the Applicant to engage with the community in
the development process to ensure that those affected by, and those most likely to
be interested in, the proposals have had the opportunity to make their views known
and considered and, where possible, to influence the masterplan for the site before
the applications are submitted to the Council.
2.6.3
The following sections of this statement provide details of the consultation
exercises that have been undertaken prior to the submission of the application.
This process is in full accordance with the Government’s aspirations for preapplication community involvement in major planning applications.
9
3.0
APPROACH TO CONSULTATION OCTION
The following section outlines the consultation objectives, methods employed, processes
undertaken and individuals involved.
3.1
Consultation Objectives
3.1.1 The following consultation objectives were identified for the project:

To reach those who are likely to be affected by the development and those groups
and individuals who are likely to have an interest in the development at the earliest
opportunity, in order to actively engage and obtain views prior to the creation of a
masterplan for the site;

To provide an accessible venue for the proposals to be viewed by the community;

To allow discussion between the developer and the general public to enable a
thorough understanding of the proposals and to ensure the consultancy team
understand the community’s views on the development of the site;

To allow adequate opportunity for the community to consider, understand and
comment on the development proposed; and;

To take on board the comments given during consultation and ensure that
feedback is provided to the local community in order to reflect how those views
have been incorporated into the final masterplan for the site.
3.2
Strategy
3.2.1
Throughout the consultation process, the approach of the Applicant has been to
respond positively to consultation responses from local residents and other
consultees and, where practicable, amend the proposals to address concerns or
make provision for appropriate mitigation measures as part of the development
proposals. The consultation process to date has comprised a combination of:

Appointing a professional events and communications company to
identify consultees and organise consultation events and meetings

Holding a well-publicised consultation event/public exhibition

Arranging a stakeholder preview of the public consultation event

Meeting with CBC Planning Team

Dialogue with Statutory Consultees

Meetings with stakeholders, councillors, Parish Councils and Resident
Association as well as other interested parties
10
3.3
Identifying and Engaging with Consultees
3.3.1
Prior to the exhibitions, a database was created of interested groups, Ward
Councillors, adjacent Parish Councils, Resident Associations and key groups. This
database also includes a list of the local businesses which were supplied copies of
posters advertising the event for display purposes. This database can be found in
Appendix A.
3.3.2
On behalf of Parkers of Leicester, Andrew Hiorns Town Planning wrote to CBC to
outline the consultation process and to request feedback regarding any additional
activities and stakeholders with whom the Council would welcome Parkers of
Leicester Ltd engages with. A copy of this email can be found below:
From: Andrew Hiorns [mailto:andy.hiorns@me.com]
Sent: 20 August 2012 14:25
To: Lewis Roberts Steve
Cc: Victoria Walker; andrew.bamber@matherjamie.co.uk Bamber
Subject: South Loughborough - Parkers of Leicester Limited Consultation Plan
Dear Mr Lewis-Roberts
Re: Proposed development off Ling Road, South Loughborough
As you are aware I am appointed to prepare planning applications for two sites each side of
the Woodthorpe roundabout in South Loughborough for Parkers of Leicester Limited. The
proposed development comprises some 300 new homes and a supermarket of around 2,000
sq. m net.
In advance of submitting the application, and to help inform the proposals we are
undertaking consultations with local people, stakeholder groups and ward councillors. I
am writing to explain the consultation process we are undertaking and to ensure you are
content, as planning authority, with the extent of the consultations. The consultation
involves the following:
Members
We have either already met or are arranging meetings with local ward councillors
including councillors Slater, Shepherd, Stork and Sharpe.
Stakeholders
We have met or are arranging meetings with:
· Woodthorpe Residents Association
· Haddon Way Residents Association
· Shelthorpe Community Association
· Quorn Parish Council
Public consultation event
11
A public consultation event will be held at Shelthorpe Community Centre/Charnwood Club
from 4-8pm on Thursday 6th September and will be fully manned by the client and
professional team. Comments forms will be available for residents to complete.
In order to publicise this event, we are undertaking the following activities:
 Production of a flyer, which provides a copy of the master plan, details of the proposals
and a freepost questionnaire. This also promotes the public exhibition and invites residents
to attend – this is being sent to the Parish Councils, Residents Associations and local
Councillors (by email and sending hard copies for circulation) as well as local businesses
with a request to display it and promote the event and it will also be posted to the 1000
closest properties;
 An advertisement will be placed in the Loughborough Echo one week in advance of the
event – it will be placed as a Public Notice inviting residents to attend and gives brief
details of the proposals and their location; and
 Letters will be sent to all local Councillors & Parish Councils inviting them to a
stakeholder preview of the exhibition on 06/09/12 between 3 and 4pm.
Feedback
Following the exhibition, we will review the comments provided and consider whether the
proposals need to be changed as a consequence. We will also provide a copy of the
comments received during the consultation process as well as a copy of the latest master
plan to all residents who participated in the consultation process, as well as the Ward
Councillors and Parish Councils.
At this stage we will also encourage further comments on the final draft master plan and
would seek to organise further meetings with stakeholders and groups as necessary to
follow up the consultation exhibition.
Statement of Community Involvement
A comprehensive Statement of Community Involvement would be produced detailing the
identification of the consultees, the consultation process, the comments received in respect
of the proposals and how these have been taken into account during the pre-application
process. This would be submitted with the planning application.
I would be grateful if you could clarify any additional consultation which you feel would
be required as part of the pre-application process by the 29th August 2012 if possible. We
are due to meet on that day and I would be grateful for any feedback you are able to give to
this consultation plan.
Yours sincerely
Andy Hiorns
12
3.3.3
In advance of the exhibition, the Applicant’s development team held meetings with
Charnwood Councillors, including ward councillors, Resident Association, a group
from Quorn Parish Council and other interested groups. Meetings included:
3.3.4

Woodthorpe Residents Association, 6.30pm Wednesday 22nd August and
29th August 2012

Haddon Way Residents Association, 8pm Wednesday 22nd August

Shelthorpe Community Association, 29th August 2012

Quorn Parish Council meeting with Councillors Bexon (Chairman) Child,
Orr, Lenthall (Plans Scrutiny Group), Brown and Graham Stocks (Residents
Association) on the 2nd August 2012

Cllr Stork – 2nd August 2012

Cllr Sharp – 2nd August 2012

Meeting with Loughborough Business Improvement District Representative

Further meetings were also requested with the Leader Cllr Slater and
Haddon Way Residents Association.

Meeting with Cllr Slater, Leader CBC 17th October 2012
Points discussed at these meetings included:

How does a 20,000 sq ft supermarket compare in size to others in the area

Who will operate the supermarket and will they also consult?

Will the store replace the proposed retail on the William Davis Grange Park
development or will it compete?

Residents voiced frustration regarding the lack of delivery of the community
facilities on the Grange Park site and acknowledged that the S106 did not
compel the developer to deliver the facilities, only to make the land
available

There was a willingness for discussion to take place with William Davis to
deliver a community meeting place and potentially relocate its retail uses

Community cohesion a necessity of any new development

What guarantees will be given regarding the delivery of a bus service

Where will children go to school and are there enough places? Would any
S106 contributions be spent in local schools?

Any new development should be of a quality design with on-plot parking

How Woodthorpe’s unique identity will be protected
Points discussed at the stakeholder meetings, continued:
13

Scale, mix of housing, transport and the nature of community facilities were
discussed

It was highlighted that contact details had been supplied so that residents
who couldn’t attend the event could order a copy of the exhibition and the comment forms. These would be sent to the Residents Association so they
could also distribute them to local residents. In addition the flyer also
incorporated a comment form so that residents could comment on the
proposals and return it freepost.

It was accepted that Allendale Road was now the southern boundary of
Loughborough

Landscape adjacent to the A6004 and Allendale Road was considered very
important and should be retained/enhanced

Whether further development south of Woodthorpe was intended in future
was queried

Light/noise from any development (and delivery vehicles) to be controlled

The busy Woodthorpe roundabout was discussed

Supermarket traffic access was discussed

If a supermarket is unacceptable what would be delivered in its place?

Would there be other associated retail development?

The Resident’s Associations welcomed the consultation and on-going
discussions

Discussion regarding a hedge on Parkers land were raised

A formal request was made for a tree belt on land to the north-east of the
village to protect rural views
3.3.5
In addition to the meetings listed above, a flyer was produced and distributed to
1,000 local homes. A copy of the distribution area targeted with the flyer and
postage of the flyers (via the Royal Mail) is included in Appendix D. Copies were
also provided to the ward Councillors, Parish Council and resident Associations.
This flyer included a masterplan, details about the proposals and provided a
freepost comment form to allow residents to comment in their own time. It also
provided details of a forthcoming public consultation event, encouraged residents
to attend and provided contact details (email and telephone) to enable residents to
request further information. A copy of the flyer is below and in Appendix C.
14
15
3.3.6
An advertisement was placed in the Loughborough Echo a week in advance of the
event. A copy of the advertisement can be found below:
3.3.7
On the 31st August 2012, The Loughborough Echo ran an article about the
proposed development, information can be found below:
16
17
3.3.8
Haddon Way Residents Association advertised the public exhibition on its
Facebook page, details can be found below:
3.3.9
The flyers advertising the exhibition were also posted to all of the businesses
detailed on Appendix A with a letter asking that the flyer be displayed for local
residents to see. A copy of this letter can be found in Appendix B.
3.3.10 A letter was sent to all of the stakeholders listed in Appendix A, this invited them to
attend a stakeholder preview of the exhibition on the 6th September from 3 – 4pm.
A copy of this letter can be found in Appendix B.
18
3.4
Meetings with Charnwood Borough Council
3.4.1 A series of pre-application meetings were held with the Council’s Planning Department, to discuss the evolution of the proposal and to agree the key
principles of the scheme prior to the submission of the planning application.
3.4.2 In summary, these meetings allowed the Applicant’s team to discuss issues
including the quantum and the mix of uses, the layout of the scheme and broad
location of uses, the open space strategy, the access strategy and key planning
conditions and obligations. These discussions enabled the illustrative layout to be
fixed prior to the submission of the planning application.
3.4.3 Details of the consultation programme were provided to the Council’s Planning Department requesting details of any additional consultation activity required.
3.5
The Public Consultation Event – 6th September 2012
3.5.1
The exhibition was manned by the applicant’s development team throughout, including the architect/masterplanner and the transport consultant. It was held on
the 6th September from 4 – 8pm. A copy of the exhibition boards is available in
Appendix E.
3.5.2
Comment forms were available for residents to complete, either at the event or by
posting them following the event. A copy of the comment form can be found in
Appendix F.
3.5.3
More than 100 residents attended the exhibition and 64 completed the
questionnaire at the event or submitted it by post or email following the event.
3.5.4
Images of the exhibition are shown below:
3.5.5
Following the exhibition, a database was created incorporating the contact details
for residents who attended the events. Due to the Data Protection Act, as the SCI
is made available online, this database is not included but a confidential copy is
available to CBC upon request.
19
4.0
FLYER AND FREEPOST QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES
4.1.1
More than 1,000 flyers were posted to residents in the vicinity of the site. These
included detailed information about the proposals and included a freepost
questionnaire. A total of 29 residents returned the freepost questionnaire.
4.2.1
The first question asked: The proposals include extensive new accessible open
space and landscaped areas and maintain the separate identities of Woodthorpe
and Quorn. The open space could provide play areas, nature conservation areas
and gardens. How would you like to see the open space utilised? The responses
were as follows:
20

All of the above sounds good

Nice council houses and a supermarket would be good

Play areas

Just get it done

Would prefer to see a nature conservation area

Too much traffic in the area

Meadows, decorative bushes, trees, benches and little shelters

Cycle tracks

Area is agricultural leave as is

Nature conservation

There is already an open space so no purpose

Affordable, first time buyer homes

Take into account open spaces in the area not yet delivered

Decent park, safe for children

Somewhere we can sit in peace

New pub, demolish rundown Hunters Moon and build there too

Leave as Green Belt

No opinion

Recently moved to Allendale Road and don’t want development

Dog waste bins

Make Ling Road 2 or 3 lanes each way

Open to all
4.3.1
Question two asked: Approximately 300 homes are proposed. If the development
goes ahead, what type of homes would you prefer to see delivered? The
responses included:

Rentable properties for everyone

No social homes – 3 and 4 beds

Sort out houses that area already here and put new ones somewhere else

Do we really need more homes?

Nice council houses

Social housing – someone, sometime has to start building again

Flats with individual gardens

High value detached housing

No new homes

Not starter homes

Large 3 – 4 bed houses

None

No preference

Affordable first time buyer properties

Why is all high density added to Grange park estate yet lower density on the
entrance to the estate?
21

Include bungalows

Provide low cost housing for those who need it

None but if it goes ahead affordable housing

High quality, low density

Not affordable as that will depreciate the value of existing homes

Affordable and social

A lot of new houses still to be built within a mile

Low density, detached with off road parking – not parking courts

UK population needs cutting not increasing

Loughborough has too many empty properties

No more houses on the countryside
4.4.1
Question three asked: A high-quality supermarket which is not currently
represented in Loughborough is proposed for one of the sites, creating 150 new
jobs as well as training opportunities, what do you think of this proposal? The
responses were:

Spot on

Good

Very good

Supermarket fine as long as it isn’t already represented in the area

Don’t want another supermarket it will attract anti-social behaviour and become
an eyesore

Enough supermarkets in the area

Shelthorpe needs a library with photocopying and photoshop facilities not
another supermarket

Would create too much traffic

Don’t want smaller shops to suffer

Not Lidl or Aldi must be high quality such as Waitrose to raise area

Hopefully may generate more interest into coming into the town centre

Grange Park has a proposed shopping area/community centre area can’t sustain this level as well

Good idea and competition

Yes would be good

Terrible local people can’t afford to shop at Waitrose will only bring in wealthier people
22

Might cause excess traffic/noise

Concerned about the entrance being a danger at a school crossing

No, inappropriate for this country edge area
4.5.1
Question four asked: Do you have any concerns which could be addressed
through changes to the plans? The response was:

Yes scrap the private houses

No supermarket

Cancel plans, profiteering

Too large

Widen the road from the roundabout

You have mentioned maintaining the character of Woodthorpe and Quorn but
no consideration to Grange Park

4.5.2
Give occupiers plenty of space
Space was provided at the end of the questionnaire for any comments. These
included:

About time, when are you going to start? The sooner the better, how about a
park at the Golf Course?

Building work on Allendale Road will cause traffic problems and ruin image of
Grange Park

Enough supermarkets, people here are unfriendly, Loughborough is a very
unhappy town

An underpass or bridge over the main road

Shelthorpe needs bus to the railway station, hospital and East Midlands airport

Need traffic lights at Bainbridge Road exist, Tesco and McDonalds traffic heavy

Location of houses inappropriate to vicinity of road/railways, profit making

Road congestion is main concern

Rush hour traffic into Loughborough is bad as it is

Would be nice to have an Asda

No objections but please can you fence off the boundary to the crematorium to
keep out unwanted visitors and dogs and do not destroy trees/hedges
23

Remove bollards at Poplar/Manor Roads with Allendale to relieve congestion

Do not build on Green Belt

Will depreciate value of my home and council said no plans on agricultural land

Swamping market reduces desirability of existing/new homes

Traffic a danger particularly school movements at roundabout

No problem with housing but don’t want supermarket
5.0
PUBLIC CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES
5.1.1
The first question asked: The proposals include extensive new accessible open
space and landscaped areas. The open space could provide play areas, nature
conservation areas and gardens. How would you like to see the open space
utilised? The response was:
Informal open space
Play areas
No not needed
Not sure
New walking and cycling
routes
Yes this is needed
Playing fields or recreation
space
0
5.1.2
10
20
30
40
Space was provided for other suggestions these included: Comment
There is no need for new routes in this locality
Invest money in updating/renovating current recreational space and play areas
Adult outside gyms on both sides of the development
Nature conservation areas
Make sure there is plenty of parking for visitors to the new houses
Create a new beer garden at the local pub
Open spaces should be retained exactly as they are now.
The green belt needs to be retained
No to more houses
Leave the land alone
There is already open space that needs to be protected
I am happy with the current provision
We already have a lot of open space that needs developing
Equipped play areas
We do not need more houses or a supermarket
There are already many play areas in Loughborough that lie unused
A nice mix of rural agricultural surroundings and walks
Something for teenagers
Development is not needed
24
Number of
respondents
making
comment
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
5.2.1
Question two asked: Approximately 300 good quality homes are proposed to
help meet local needs. If the development goes ahead, what type of homes would you
prefer to see? The response was:
Housing for first time buyers
No not needed
Affordable housing
Not sure
Yes this is needed
Family homes with gardens
0
5.2.2
10
20
30
40
Space was provided for comments:
Comments
We bought and moved here because of the quiet and out of the way location
Loughborough has enough homes as it is. There is no need for new ones.
Affordable/social houses are not needed.
Enough parking for two cars per property and a decent sized garden
If the traffic has a petrol station there will be loads of traffic
Should be a mixture of homes
Small housing is often too cramped
Don’t want to see any new development
Refurbish existing homes
Don't want!
There should be no development on the green field
We do not need more housing in this area
Houses will destroy income for the railway
There is not a need for more housing
Another supermarket is not needed in the area
Stop using green land
Existing developments are struggling to sell as it is
Would prefer family homes
25
Number of
respondents
making comment
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
5.3.1 Question three asked: A high-quality supermarket is proposed for one of the
sites, creating 150 new jobs as well as training opportunities. What do you think of
this proposal? The responses included

Strongly agree

Good

Very good as will provide more choice

Yes if Waitrose – not Asda or Coop

Another supermarket is not necessary

I think Loughborough could do with another supermarket, but this is in the wrong
place

A high quality supermarket may improve the area but not one of the big four stores
please
26

There are five supermarkets in Loughborough

Happy about all of the plans, lots of trees need to be planted to soften the impact

Not sure what a high quality supermarket is

Concerned about access to the supermarket/homes

The more high quality, the better

Will be beneficial to the community

Would need to be the right type of supermarket

Undesirable

Will go against resident needs

Poor access

Will make it harder for small businesses to survive

Area overflowing with traffic/Road system will not cope

A high quality supermarket is desperately needed

Don’t mind if it is a Waitrose

This proposal is silly high quality not needed

Good idea

Will cause traffic on Allendale Road
5.4.1
Question four asked: Which of the aims we have set for delivering this site do
you agree or disagree with? The response was:
Boost growth, development & spending power
in Loughborough to enhance its economic
growth
Deliver new high-quality supermarket
improving choice, creating new jobs & training
Achieve quality design reflecting the local
setting & character of the area
Strongly disagree
To provide a proportion of affordable homes
for local people
Disagree
Neither agree or disagree
To create new open space and play areas for
use by existing and future residents
Agree
Strongly agree
To put some of Loughborough new homes near
existing facilities & public transport
Protect boundaries, outlook, character &
identity of Woodthorpe
Provide mix of homes to support a new
community
0
27
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
5.5.1
Question five asked: Is there anything specific you would like to see changed in the proposals
you have seen today? The responses included:

Concerned about the proximity of housing to the Great Central Railway

This is not needed, rethink plans

A cut through from Bainbridge Road to Ling Road is needed as traffic is already very busy in
the area

Well lit recreational areas at night

Grange Park residents do not consider this a good idea

The masterplan looks great in principle

No need for a supermarket

The supermarket is in the wrong place, there should be no building south of Woodthorpe
Lane
28

A new way to get out of Loughborough without having to go around the Tesco roundabout

Houses too close to cemetery

Review entrance to new supermarket to reduce congestion/entrance too close to A6004

Woodthorpe roundabout insufficient to support homes

Include a local pub

There should be a focus on sustainable travel

Don’t want any development in this area

Do not build behind my home

Supermarket should be on the other side of the road

Move supermarket away from roundabout

Need more access points

Protect heritage railway so it doesn’t lose revenue
5.6.1
Space was provided at the end of the questionnaire for any comments, concerns or
suggestions. These included:
29

The one thing needed in this area is play areas for children

Retain agricultural land

On balance I feel the development could benefit the community

Poorly considered proposal

No consideration given to traffic in area it is very bad as it is

More traffic consultation

Supermarket will increase traffic

Youths will congregate if too many open spaces

Sad at green space being built on

Transport needs to be managed effectively

Bus route is appealing

Respect grieving relatives

Protect Woodthorpe boundaries

Happy with housing, less happy with supermarket

Keep the area high end and upmarket

Disagree with proposal in this area

Fewer houses

No supermarket

No building behind Manor Drive

Not needed

What is wrong with brownfield/derelict sites before Green Belt

Still housing on Grange Park to be built

Against development

Will depreciate value of existing homes

Ensure proposed amenities are delivered

Do not have main access off Woodthorpe roundabout

Infrastructure not stable enough

Not environmentally friendly enough and will detract from area
6.0
CONSULTATION FEEDBACK
6.1
Following the public consultation the feedback was reviewed and further meetings
were held with the Leader of the Council and the Resident Associations. As a
result changes were made to the proposals.
6.2
In order to communicate these changes, a flyer was produced and sent to the
stakeholder database and all of those who engaged in the consultation process to
date.
6.3
30
A copy of the flyer is shown below
31
6.4
Responses to the feedback and amended masterplan were encouraged and the
following comments were made:

I am generally positive about this proposal

I am pleased you have removed the supermarket

I feel the pocket park is good use of land off Manor Drive – will it include a play
area?
6.5

Will the bus route be guaranteed and also include Grange Park?

Concerned regarding residential accommodation overlooking the cemetery

When will a planning application be submitted
Replies are being sent to all responses and the Applicant is committed to
continuing to involve the community. A copy of the above flyer has been sent to all
Councillors and Resident Associations and further meetings have been offered.
32
7.0
RESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATION FINDINGS
7.1
The following section of this report identifies the range of comments raised by
members of the community and highlights how they have been fed into the
masterplanning process.
7.2
The consultation process has focused on meetings with stakeholders, the Parish
Council, Resident Associations and interested parties as well as a detailed flyer
with the annotated masterplan and a comment form and a public consultation
event which was widely promoted to residents in the vicinity of the proposed
development site.
7.3
The comments raised have generally focused on:

Transport and access

Need for another supermarket and the type of supermarkets required or not
required

Capacity at local schools - Shelthorpe Primary School has capacity and
would welcome new children from the development

Deliverability of the proposed facilities and bus service – suspicion as
previous developments have not yet delivered these

Affordable housing – whether it was or wasn’t required and the
nature/effect of social housing on the existing communities

Whether new housing devalues local property prices

Residents in the new houses at Grange Park generally did not want any
more new housing

Effect on steam trains

Shopping in Loughborough is poor – many residents travel further afield for
weekly shop

Loughborough’s image and the view that a high class supermarket could improve that image

The quality, style, mix of housing
7.4
Exhibition attendees tended to live very close to the development site.
7.5
The response from the freepost questionnaires which were distributed to a wide
area was generally more positive than the responses from the exhibition.
33
7.6
The comments raised have been outlined in Section Four of this document. The
table below outlines the main comments and how they have been taken on board
as part of the masterplanning process.
7.7
The design comments received have been included directly into the masterplan
and these amendments are illustrated in the Design and Access Statement
accompanying the planning application.
Comment raised
Is there a need for a new
supermarket in this location
Lack of community open space and
facilities at Grange Park
Is there a need for new housing?
Some respondents were supportive
of affordable housing and some
against citing social issues
Where will the children go to school
Landscaping adjacent to the
A6004/Allendale Road is very
important
34
How the masterplan responds to the feedback
This proposal was in response to interest from a
specific operator. It was aimed at delivering local
shopping and facilities which have not been
delivered as part of the Grange Park local centre.
Retail impact studies had shown that even with this
supermarket the additional impact would not have
affected the town centre or other local centres.
However, in light of consultation responses and the
lack of support for the proposal the supermarket
has been withdrawn from the proposals.
The lack of delivery elsewhere is outside of the
applicant’s control. However, it highlighted public suspicion regarding the delivery of facilities with
new development. These proposals offer an
opportunity to ensure facilities are now provided to
serve new residents and those at Grange Park.
Yes. The increase in housing supply is set by
existing policies, which these proposals seek to
ensure are met. The Authority has a considerable
shortfall in provision against existing plans and is
some way off adopting a new Local Plan to show
how needs will be met.
The proposals include for 30% affordable housing
which can contribute to local needs and provide a
variety of affordable tenures including social
rented, shared ownership and Lifetime Homes,
such as bungalows.
The most appropriate school to take additional
pupils would be the Shelthorpe Community Primary
School, which has some capacity and was
originally designed for a greater number of pupils.
The school has room to expand to accept new
pupils from the development, subject to investment
that this development can provide.
The development would not impact on the park.
The planting on the western side of Allendale Road
would also largely remain and only minor
modifications are necessary to provide a suitable
and safe access to the new development.
Comment raised
How will Woodthorpe’s identity be protected?
Light/noise from delivery
vehicles/development needs to be
controlled
How can Woodthorpe Roundabout
be improved?
Access to the supermarket is a
concern, it should be moved
Crossing points on the A6004 were
raised
Request for tree belt on land to the
north-east of the village to protect
rural views
What guarantees will be given
regarding the delivery of a bus
service?
Any new development needs to be a
high quality design with on-plot
parking
How the masterplan responds to the feedback
The new linear park and extensive new woodland
around the village have changed its relationship to
the edge of Loughborough. The village is now
enclosed by woodland planting with few of the
village and out of the village towards the site. The
park ensures that the village will remain, in
perpetuity, a separate settlement and does not
coalesce with the main urban area.
The supermarket proposals have now been
withdrawn. A construction management plan would
effectively control any vehicles associated with the
residential development
There are opportunities to modify the roundabout in
order to reduce approach speeds and these are
being discussed with the County Council highways
authority.
The supermarket has now been removed from the
proposals
The proposals including a crossing of the A6004.
There is also an existing crossing some 500m to
the west.
As landowners, Parkers are willing to discuss this
measure but it is not directly related to the
proposals.
The proposals would provide a new bus service to
serve the site, which could extend to include
Grange Park. The service would be subsidised by
the development for a period or until it becomes
viable. This would form part of the S106 legal
agreement to guarantee its delivery.
The design and access statement submitted with
this development details the quality, design and
parking provision.
This statement provides a basis for the preparation
of detailed Design Codes for the site to ensure a
high quality, thoughtful and innovative scheme.
The landowners are committed to delivering a
scheme that reflects the location and would select
builders who share their objectives.
The majority agreed that it needed
to be a quality design, open space
and play areas should be included,
the boundary and the identity of
Woodthorpe should be protected
The scheme ensures the quality and a design and
access statement as part of the application
provides further information with regard to this.
Some wanted a nature conservation
area on the site
There would be extensive nature conservation
areas to reflect the advice of the ecologist.
35
Comment raised
Some respondents felt it was
important to retain agricultural
provision on the site
Respondents wanted a decent, safe
play area for children
Activities for teenagers were
requested
Three to four bedroomed homes
were preferred
One respondent requested flats with
gardens
Cycle tracks were requested
High value detached housing with
parking was requested by a number
of respondents
Bungalows were requested
A library was requested in
Shelthorpe
A number of respondents were
concerned about the impact on
smaller shops
Rush hour traffic into Loughborough
was cited as a concern
A mix of playing fields, open space,
play areas and walking/cycling
routes was preferred
Adult outdoor gyms were requested
Retention of the Green Belt was
requested
A petrol station was named as a
concern if it was to be provided
The steam railway should be
protected
How will the proposals affect
Quorn?
36
How the masterplan responds to the feedback
The site is generally Grade 3b agricultural land with
some Grade 2 land, similar to land in this area of
south Loughborough. Any greenfield development
would encounter similar issues in terms of loss of
provision. This land, however, is subject to
encroachment and is becoming increasingly
difficult to farm given its proximity to the urban area
and its separateness.
Both sites provide for children’s play areas.
Informal play spaces are provided and the
proposals will contribute to new community
facilities.
A full mix of provision of homes is proposed
including 3 – 4 bed family homes
The final mix of the scheme will be determined at
the detailed stage.
There is access to NCR6 alongside the sites.
A full mix of homes is proposed.
This is being considered as part of the lifetime
homes provision.
We are exploring how we can assist with local
community facilities.
The retail element of the proposal has been
withdrawn
The development generates around 85-peak twoway trips. Some modifications are proposed to the
lining at the roundabout to reduce approach
speeds and a full Transport Assessment details
other highway improvements to ensure capacities
exist.
The sites are not suitable for playing fields but play
areas are provided.
This could be provided in the park areas.
This land is not within the Green Belt. Development
here may help to prevent the loss of Green Belt
land elsewhere in the district.
A petrol station is not included within the proposals.
There is no impact on the railway. The views from
the trains will change but this is inevitable with any
development.
The development is not within the Green Wedge
but an Area of Local Separation. The site cannot
be seen from Quorn and its development would
have little or no effect on Quorn.
Comment raised
There is a lack of community
facilities in Shelthorpe, particularly
open spaces
37
How the masterplan responds to the feedback
The existing pocket park would be improved and
extended to serve the new and existing
communities. This would make the park usable and
attractive. Potential to invest in other local facilities
is being explored with the community
organisations.
8.0
SUMMARY
8.1
The engagement strategy undertaken for the proposed residential development on
land off Ling Road, Loughborough has been devised to take account of the
complexity of the site, development issues and to create a masterplan which
delivers new homes, contributes to community facilities and new public transport
opportunities.
8.2
The residents who lived closest to the development site and on the new Grange
Park estate did not want to see any further development in the area. Woodthorpe
residents were most concerned about protecting the identity of Woodthorpe and
any development to the south.
8.3
The majority of exhibition attendees preferred family, high quality, low density
homes and did not want to see social housing provision.
8.3
The community engagement process has taken account of the comments raised
by local residents and stakeholders, where possible. The scheme is now more
robust as a result of involving local people in the masterplanning process.
8.5
It can be seen from the preceding sections and the appendices that the
consultation process undertaken by the Applicant has sought to reach as many
people in the local area as possible.
8.6
The public consultation events provided the opportunity for people to view and
understand the information in a local venue, out of office hours.
Clear information was provided and members of the project team were on hand to
answer questions and provide further information. Residents were able to make
comments on the day or after the event by post.
In addition, by posting information about the proposals out with a freepost
comment form and telephone number this enabled residents to ask questions and
participate in the consultation programme at a time of their choosing.
8.7
The engagement strategy has been devised and implemented to take account of
the need to deliver a viable and comprehensive solution for the site, in line with
current policy guidelines, whilst also taking on board the comments and issues
raised by members of the community. The process has adhered to requirements
set out in CBC’s Statement of Community Involvement and the Localism Act. As a
result the masterplan seeks to respond to comments, where this is possible and in
line with policy guidelines and site constraints.
38
8.8
A key aim of the Applicant remains the involvement of the community at all stages
of the planning and development process. A database has now been created of
interested parties so that they can be kept informed throughout this process.
Further meetings have also been offered to the local Resident Associations.
39
APPENDIX A
STAKEHOLDER DATABASE
Stakeholder database
Name
Ward
Quorn &
Mountsorrel
Cllr Richard Shepherd Castle
Telephone
01509 413903
Cllr Robert Sharp
Cllr David Slater
Quorn &
Mountsorrel
Castle
01509 890105
Cllr Neville Stork
Cllr Orr
Cllr Brown
Cllr Graham Stocks
Residents Associations
Name
Haddon Way
Residents
Association
Woodthorpe
Residents
Association
Shelthorpe
Community
Association
Contact
Email
Bob Newnham
secretary@haddonw
ayra.org.uk
Dennis Wain
d.wain@btinternet.c
om
Ann Watkinson
margaretann600@sk
y.com
Quorn Parish Council
Name
Christina Gibbs
Email
parishclerk@quo
rndon.com
Email
cllr.richard.shepherd@ch
arnwood.gov.uk
cllr.robert.sharp@charnw
ood.gov.uk
cllr.david.slater@charnwo
od.gov.uk
cllr.neville.stork@charnw
ood.gov.uk
Shelthorpe
Supreme Fish Bar
Top Wok
Bargain Booze
1 3 Ling Road
5 7 Ling Road
9 11 Ling Road
Loughborough
Loughborough
Loughborough
LE11 2LW
LE11 2LW
LE11 2LW
Wash N Dry
Swannys Tattooz
Church of the
Good Shepherd
21 23 Ling Road
23a Ling Road
Loughborough
Loughborough
LE11 2LW
LE11 2LW
Park Road
Loughborough
LE11 2HJ
McDonalds
Dental Surgery
Park Road
Nurseries
Post Office
The Charity Shop
Park Road
66 Park Road
Loughborough
Loughborough
LE11 2HJ
LE11 2HH
134 Park Road
206 Park Road
208 Park Road
Loughborough
Loughborough
Loughborough
LE11 2HH
LE11 2HJ
LE11 2HJ
210 Park Road
Loughborough
LE11 2HJ
212 Park Road
214 Park Road
216 Park Road
Loughborough
Loughborough
Loughborough
LE11 2HJ
LE11 2HJ
LE11 2HJ
294 Park Road
Loughborough
LE11 2HL
Beaumont Road
Loughborough
LE11 2JB
Loughborough
LE11 2NF
Loughborough
LE11 2ND
Oakland Butchers
Cooking Made
Simple
Cycle Trax
Curry Royal
Beacon Christian
Fellowship
Outwoods Medical
Centre
Shelthorpe
Community
Primary School
The Charnwood
Club
Woodthorpe
Road
Shelthorpe
Avenue
Quorn
Quorn Village Hall Leicester Road
The White Horse
Pub
2 Leicester Road
4 6 Leicester
Amiru Tandoori
Road
10 Leicester
Thai Rainbow
Road
Royal Oak
2 High Street
Corner House
Interiors
3 High Street
All Things Cute
3a High Street
Quorn
Loughborough
LE12 8BB
Quorn
Loughborough
LE12 8ET
Quorn
Loughborough
LE12 8ET
Quorn
Quorn
Loughborough
Loughborough
LE12 8ET
LE12 8DT
Quorn
Quorn
Loughborough
Loughborough
LE12 8DS
LE12 8DS
Ferrari's Trattoria
Quordon Formal
Hire
Fg2 Art Gallery
Tandoori Empire
4 High Street
Quorn
Loughborough
LE12 8DT
5 High Street
5 High Street
6 High Street
Quorn
Quorn
Quorn
Loughborough
Loughborough
Loughborough
LE12 8DS
LE12 8DS
LE12 8DT
Quorn Parish
Council
The Quorn
Exchange
Quorn
Loughborough
LE12 8DS
Quorn
Loughborough
LE12 8DT
16a High Street Quorn
20 High Street Quorn
Loughborough
Loughborough
LE12 8DT
LE12 8DT
22 High Street
24 High Street
32 High Street
Quorn
Quorn
Quorn
Loughborough
Loughborough
Loughborough
LE12 8DT
LE12 8DT
LE12 8DT
46 High Street
Quorn
Loughborough
LE12 8DT
1 Station Road
Quorn
Loughborough
LE12 8BP
6 Station Road
Quorn
Loughborough
LE12 8BS
10 Station Road Quorn
Loughborough
LE12 8BS
Pretzels
12 Station Road Quorn
Loughborough
LE12 8BS
Post Office
14 Station Road Quorn
Loughborough
LE12 8BS
Boots Pharmacy
16 Station Road Quorn
Loughborough
LE12 8BS
Dental Surgery
18 Station Road Quorn
Loughborough
LE12 8BS
Bradley & Son
20 Station Road Quorn
Loughborough
LE12 8BS
Quorn
Conservative Club 40 Station Road Quorn
Biancas Pizza
Station Road
Quorn
Loughborough
Loughborough
LE12 8BS
LE12 8BS
Outwoods Edge
Primary School
Loughborough
LE11 2LD
Loughborough
LE11 2HS
A J Reed
Alive & Kicking
Visual Answers
Opticians
The Dolls House
White Hart Inn
The Quorndon Fox
Pub
Quorn Medical
Centre
Od Thorpes
Restaurant
Stones
Hairdressers
Woodthorpe
7 High Street
10 12 High
Street
21 Redwood
Road
Rainbows
Childrens Hospice Lark Rise
APPENDIX B
CORRESPONDENCE WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND
BUSINESSES
TEL.
0844 8425270
E-MAIL. info@beattiegroup.com
WEB. www.beattiegroup.com
London. Glasgow. Manchester. Leeds. Edinburgh. Falkirk. Birmingham.
<ADDRESS – INSERTED FROM STAKEHOLDER DATABASE IN APPENDIX A>
23rd August 2012
Dear <INSERT NAME>
RE: PUBLIC EXHIBITION REGARDING POTENTIAL FOR RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT AND SUPERMARKET ON LING ROAD, LOUGHBOROUGH
I am writing on behalf of Parkers of Leicester Limited regarding a potential
development site on Ling Road, Loughborough.
The sites, at each side of the Woodthorpe roundabout on the A6004 Ling Road, are
being promoted for approximately 300 new homes and a high quality supermarket.
A public exhibition is being held to discuss the masterplan in more detail with
interested groups and local residents, in order to appreciate local views, ideas and
the challenges posed.
We believe that the housing proposals can help to meet existing local needs in a
sustainable location on the edge of town. They would complement the character of
the area – providing relatively low-density homes with large areas of accessible
green open space and generous new landscaping.
We would welcome an opportunity to discuss this project in more detail and will be
organising a stakeholder event at the Shelthorpe Adult Learning Centre between
3pm and 4pm on Thursday 6th September, this event will then open to the public from
4 – 8pm. If you are unable to attend this event and would prefer a separate meeting
please contact me or my colleague Davina Flaherty on 0844 8425 270 or email
Loughborough@beattiegroup.com and we will be happy to arrange this.
The attached flyer has been distributed to local homes as well as shops, churches
and businesses for display. If you have local notice boards which can also display the
flyer, I would be grateful if you could do so and I am happy to provide more copies as
required.
Yours sincerely,
Victoria Walker
Director
TEL.
0844 8425270
E-MAIL. info@beattiegroup.com
WEB. www.beattiegroup.com
London. Glasgow. Manchester. Leeds. Edinburgh. Falkirk. Birmingham.
<ADDRESS INSERTED FROM BUSINESS/POSTER DATABASE IN APPENDIX A>
23 August 2012
Dear <INSERT NAME>
RE: LING ROAD DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
Please find attached a flyer regarding a public exhibition on 6th September about the
potential for good quality residential development and supermarket on the land each
side of Woodthorpe roundabout on the A6004 Ling Road, Loughborough.
I would be grateful if you could display the poster so residents are aware that the
exhibition is happening.
If you require any further information please contact
Loughborough@beattiegroup.com or call me on 07876 548498.
Yours sincerely,
Victoria Walker
Director
APPENDIX C
FLYER AND FREEPOST COMMENT FORM
Beattie Communications
46 The Calls
LEEDS
LS2 7EY
Business Reply Plus
Licence Number
RSRZ-AZLL-KHRS
You are invited to an exhibition
describing proposals for new homes
and a supermarket on Ling Road,
Loughborough
When: Thursday 6th September 2012
Where: Shelthorpe Adult Learning
Centre/Creche, Shelthorpe
Community School, Woodthorpe Rd,
Loughborough, Leics, LE11 2NF
Between: 4pm and 8pm
For further information please
contact 08448 425 270 or email
loughborough@beattiegroup.com
Parkers of Leicester Limited is proposing
300 new homes and a high quality supermarket
on land at each side of the Woodthorpe
roundabout on the A6004 Ling Road.
the supermarket would be operated by one of
the country’s high quality names, which is not
currently represented in Loughborough.
The housing proposals aim to help meet
existing local needs in a sustainable
location on the edge of town. They would
complement the character of the area –
providing relatively low-density homes
with large areas of accessible green open
space and generous new landscaping. It will
also deliver much-needed affordable homes
to meet local needs.
The separate character and identity of
Woodthorpe is unaffected and assured
already by the new park. Extensive areas
of new landscaping will help maintain
a soft edge to the countryside.
Improvements would be made to transport
(including new bus services), education and
other community facilities. The development
would release significant funding through the
New Homes Bonus for the council to invest,
create in the region of 150 new jobs and
provide new training opportunities for local
people.
Parkers would welcome your views on the
proposals so feedback can be taken on board
whilst preparing the planning applications.
Please visit the exhibition on the 6th
September 2012 and meet the team and/or
complete and return the attached
freepost questionnaire.
Shelthorpe
Allendale
Road
Name
Address
Email
The supermarket’s trading area of around
2,000sq m includes a delicatessen and
a coffee shop. The store would be built
to the highest architectural and landscape
design standards befitting this prominent
location on a southern gateway to the town.
Supermarket
Ling Road
A6004
New park
Access to
supermarket
Cemetery
Retained
footpath
Woodthorpe
Park and
play area
Sustainable
drainage and
water gardens
New parkland
and play area
Crossing retained
as bus only route
Great Central
Railway
Please cut here, complete questionnaire and return to freepost address
Improved park
and play area
Q1_
The proposals include extensive new accessible open space and landscaped
areas and maintain the separate identities of Woodthorpe and Quorn. The open
space could provide play areas, nature conservation areas and gardens.
How would you like to see the open space utilised?
Q2 |
Approximately 300 homes are proposed. If the development goes ahead,
what type of homes would you prefer to see delivered?
Q3 |
A high-quality supermarket which is not currently represented in Loughborough
is proposed for one of the sites, creating 150 new jobs as well as training
opportunities. What do you think of this proposal?
Q4 |
Do you have concerns about the development that could be addressed
by changes to the plans?
If you have any general comments about the proposals please leave them here:
All information will be kept in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). It will be used for
the purpose of a future planning applications and not passed to third parties. If you do not want to
be kept informed about the development please tick here
APPENDIX D
MAILSHOT AREA
Beattie Communications Loughborough - LE - Clients Area (1007)
Sectors:LE11 2, LE12 8,