If any resident wishes to view and/or comment on the revisions, they may do so on the MVDC Planning portal: MVDC Planning Application for MO/2024/0096.
We understand that the formal closing date is 19th December for comments to be submitted by residents but MVDC Planning Officers do consider comments up to the point of decision.
The BRA Planning team have reviewed the Addendum and identified these changes:
The relocation of the Gypsy & Traveller Pitches and the Community Building and its car park.
Updated access arrangements including the removal of vehicular access from Water Lane.
The relocation of the Local Equipment Area of Play & the SANG car park.
Reconfiguration of residential land parcels and updated building heights, as shown on the Amended Parameter Plans.
Apart from the Design & Access Statement Addendum we note that the new documents include: -
An amended SANG circular route.
An amended Illustrative Masterplan.
A Heritage Impact Assessment.
Some additional Ecology Information.
A Chalk Streams Rebuttal.
Plus, Addenda to the Landscape & Visual Assessment; the Green Belt Statement; the Planning Statement; the Arboricultural Impact Assessment; and the Flood Risk Assessment
BRA Submission to MVDC - Summary
1.Land Use and Housing Density
Density Concerns: The proposed density of 28 dwellings per hectare exceeds the Council’s policy of 20 per hectare for Greenfield sites, potentially leading to overcrowding.
Building Heights: Lack of clarity on building heights raises concerns about the impact on the amenity of nearby residents and compliance with local design policies.
Affordable Housing: The mix of affordable housing has not been supported by the Affordable Housing Officer, necessitating further review.
2. SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace) Management
Long-term Management: Concerns over the long-term management and costs of the SANG, with potential risks of it reverting to a non-managed state.
Accessibility Issues: Inconsistencies in cycling and walking routes, and concerns about the suitability of mown paths for year-round use by disabled residents and parents with pushchairs.
3. Heritage Impact
Community Centre and Gypsy & Traveller Pitches: Potential adverse impacts on the amenity of nearby residents and the Little Bookham Conservation Area due to noise and visibility.
Green Buffer Reduction: Reduction in the green buffer zone, affecting the setting of heritage buildings and the quiet environment of the Conservation Area.
4. Flood Risk and Wastewater Management
Sewerage Infrastructure: Existing issues with sewerage infrastructure, with no guarantees of necessary upgrades to accommodate additional dwellings.
Surface Water Drainage: Concerns about the adequacy of surface water drainage, especially in areas prone to significant groundwater.
5. Chalk Streams
Rebuttal of Evidence: Disagreement with the applicant’s rebuttal of chalk stream evidence, highlighting the need for the Council to engage with the South East Rivers Trust for accurate data.
6. Ecology
Biodiversity Net Gain: Request for detailed worksheets to validate the Biodiversity Net Gain calculation and concerns about the exclusion of watercourse metrics.
Redacted Information: Questions about significant redactions in the ecology report and the need for transparency.
7. Access Points and Traffic
Walking and Cycling Routes: Inconsistencies in access points and concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety.
Gypsy & Traveller Pitches Access: Insufficient clarity on access for larger vehicles and potential health and safety concerns.
Traffic Impact: Projected 60% increase in traffic along Lower Road, raising concerns about capacity, congestion, and safety.
8. Green Belt
Defensible Boundaries: Need for clearly defined and permanent boundaries between the Green Belt and residential development to prevent encroachment.
Community Concerns: Disappointment among residents over the loss of Green Belt land.
