Statement of Community Involvement. Land West of Swanbridge Road, Sully. Taylor Wimpey

Transcription

1 Statement of Community Involvement Land West of Swanbridge Road, Sully Taylor Wimpey 1

2 Contents Introduction... 3 Exhibition Details... 3 Invitations... 4 Exhibition Boards... 4 Feedback... 4 Representatives... 4 Follow Up... 5 Engagement with Elected Representatives... 5 Feedback... 6 Response to the Proposals... 6 Conclusion... 8 Appendix 1: Exhibition Boards Appendix 2: Exhibition Advertisement Appendix 3: Press Release Appendix 4: Feedback Form Appendix 5: Letter to Residents and Businesses Appendix 6: Letter to Elected Representatives Appendix 7: Distribution Area for Invitations Appendix 8: Update Letter to Community and Stakeholders

3 Introduction This report summarises comments made in response to a public consultation on Taylor Wimpey s proposals to build houses at land west of Swanbridge Road in Sully, in the Vale of Glamorgan. The public exhibition showcasing the plans was held at the Sully Sports & Leisure Club (South Road, Sully, CF64 5SP) on Friday 12 th July 2013 (2.00pm to 8.00pm). The public event was preceded by a two-hour preview event for elected representatives, council officers and key stakeholders, held at The Old School, Sully, CF64 5TG on Thursday 11 th July 2013 ( pm). Exhibition boards were on display to the public and stakeholders (APPENDIX 1). Over 2,300 residents were invited to attend the exhibition event, and advertisements were placed in the local press (Penarth Times and Barry & District News) to further publicise the event (APPENDIX 2). Mindful that a number of those invited may not be able to attend, invitations included the Freephone number and address through which invitees were encouraged to contact the project team. Meetings were held with local elected members and key stakeholders with the aim of receiving feedback from those that could not attend. Thus, important feedback was drawn from a number of other sources. Exhibition Details The purpose of the exhibition was to give local stakeholders and residents in particular residents who live close to the site and their elected representatives an opportunity to view and comment on proposals for the development west of Swanbridge Road. The exhibition plays an important role in ensuring that the local population remains wellinformed regarding Taylor Wimpey s future plans, helping local people play to an active role in the planning process. 3

4 Invitations Invitations for the public exhibition event (12 th July 2013) were mailed to 2,323 addresses within a 2km radius of the site informing residents and businesses of the event. Copies of the letters to residents and local businesses and elected representatives can be found at APPENDIX 5 and APPENDIX 6. A map of the distribution area can be found in APPENDIX 7. The exhibition was publicised in the local press by means of adverts in the Barry & District News and Penarth Times (week commencing 31 st July). A copy of the advert can be found in APPENDIX 2. Exhibition Boards The exhibition consisted of five exhibition boards (see APPENDIX 1). These introduced the proposals for developing around 450 new homes on land west of Swanbridge Road in Sully, to include a proportion of affordable homes. The boards described Taylor Wimpey s vision for the development, including the character of the proposed development and the possible style of the houses, options for traffic and pedestrian access, facilities such as transport and schools, and ecology. Information on how to provide feedback was included on the exhibition boards, and feedback forms were available at the event. Members of the project team were available at both events to discuss the proposals with members of the community and stakeholders. Feedback Feedback forms were provided at the public event and attendees were encouraged to complete them, either at the exhibition itself or afterwards. A copy of the feedback form can be found at APPENDIX 4. All publications relating to the exhibition featured details of how to contact the community relations team with queries and feedback. The primary mechanisms advertised were the community relations address and Freephone line. These channels remain open and we will continue to respond to feedback as and when it is received. Representatives The event was attended by the following project team representatives, who were on hand to answer questions about the project: Michael Fenton - Strategic Planning Manager, Taylor Wimpey Laura-Anne Powell - Planning Co-ordinator, Taylor Wimpey 4

5 Paul Williams Associate Director, Planning, Savills Laura Price Senior Planner, Savills Neil Buckman Transport Consultant, Vectos Sara Jones Grayling Public Affairs Follow Up Mindful that a number of those invited may not have been able to attend the exhibition event, Taylor Wimpey mailed a further update letter on 2 nd August 2013 (APPENDIX 9) providing information on the project, giving a summary of information provided at the exhibition event and outlining feedback received. This was sent by 2,341 business and residential addresses (81 business & 2,260 residential). This included 18 additional residents who had contacted the project team regarding the proposals or attended the event but lived outside the 2km radius of the site. A feedback form was also enclosed to provide further opportunity for residents to respond. The letter re-iterated the Freephone number and project team address through which residents were able to contact the project team. Engagement with Elected Representatives Taylor Wimpey sought to keep elected representatives fully informed of proposals as another important means for the community to feed back. The following stakeholders received an invitation letter for the preview and community exhibition events and an update letter. The community relations team also phoned to make the offer a meeting directly with members of the Taylor Wimpey project team: Councillor Kevin Mahoney - Ward Councillor for Sully Councillor Bob Penrose - Ward Councillor for Sully Councillor Lino Scaglioni - Chairman, Sully and Lavernock Community Council David Roberts - Clerk, Sully and Lavernock Community Council Vaughan Gething - Assembly Member for Cardiff South & Penarth Leanne Wood - Assembly Member for South Wales Central David Melding - Assembly Member for South Wales Central Andrew RT Davies - Assembly Member for South Wales Central Eluned Parrott - Assembly Member for South Wales Central Stephen Doughty - Member of Parliament for Cardiff South & Penarth A meeting was held on 10 th July 2013 between Taylor Wimpey and the Chair of Sully and Lavernock Community Council, Lino Scaglioni, and Clerk, David Roberts. All members of the Sully and Lavernock Community Council were invited to the preview event on 11 th July 2013, which provided an opportunity to view the exhibition boards and speak to a range of consultants on different aspects of the project. Both ward members for Sully, Cllr Kevin Mahoney and Cllr Bob Penrose, were in attendance at the public exhibition event on 12 th July

6 All Assembly Members (constituency and regional) and the local MP were contacted with the offer to meet to discuss any issues relating to the proposals. On 9 th September 2013 members of the project team met with South Wales Central Regional Assembly Member, Eluned Parrott. A meeting is pending with Stephen Doughty, the Member of Parliament for Cardiff South and Penarth MP. Mr. Doughty s office staff attended the community consultation event on 12 th July and received further information relating to the plans via . Feedback Comments were submitted on feedback forms both at the exhibition and subsequently via the post and . The feedback form (see APPENDIX 4) asked for views, observations and general comments from residents and stakeholders regarding the proposed development. Response to the Proposals 93 forms were completed and submitted on the afternoon of the event. The response is as follows: I am in favour of the proposed 6 development I am neither in favour nor against the 13 proposed development I am against the proposed development 74 Feedback was also received after the events via the community relations phone line and address. The community relations team were able to provide assistance with queries, and the callers were offered further information such as copies of the exhibition boards. These channels remain open and we will continue to respond to feedback as and when it is received. In total, 418 feedback forms were returned at the event and in the period following. The response is as follows: I am in favour of the proposed development 30 I am neither in favour nor against the 18 proposed development I am against the proposed development 365 (5 of those that responded did not specify in relation to the above) Of the 365 residents that are against the proposed development, 334 of those highlighted traffic and infrastructure as being a concern. The following comments provide a representative summary of the main themes that have arisen from the community feedback. 6

7 Highways The existing road infrastructure would not support an additional 1000 vehicles making the lanes congested and unsafe. It is already difficult to exit Cog Road and South Road and this problem would be exacerbated. The plans show no modifications to the existing road system so the new housing will increase the congestion problems. There would be increased noise and pollution. The estimate of the increased volume of traffic is wildly optimistic; the studies undertaken are not independent as they have been commissioned by Taylor Wimpey. There are a lack of footpaths on Cog Road and South Road, there are no proposals to widen the roads or provide footpaths - road access is totally inadequate and dangerous. The roads are too narrow to take the additional delivery, removal and recycling lorries as well as farm vehicles. South Road takes the majority of emergency vehicles for this area so the additional traffic using the junctions is likely to increase the propensity for accidents. Amenities The development is too large for the existing amenities. There is no mention of a new school, shops or medical centre. Currently there is no chemist in the village and just two very small shops. There are not enough places at the existing school, it is hard to believe that capacity can be increased without taking away the children's' playing field. An additional 125 primary school places will be required for a development of this size. Taylor Wimpey promised additional extra school capacity, shops and play areas 30 years ago and this never materialised. Visual Impact and Environment Moved into the area to live in the country, not to live in the town. This is a peaceful, rural setting that would be adversely affected by the plans. Concerned about the impact on the local environment. Issues over water drainage would be a concern. The Sully area has problems over roads flooding, taking away agricultural land into a development may increase this problem. What will happen to the newts, a protected species on their annual migration. No amount of fencing will stop this. The development will lead to the loss of good agricultural land. Expect compensation for visual impact given a premium was paid for properties with good views. 7

8 Development and Plans There would be personal disruption both during the development and after. Security could become an issue. Concerned that the development will only see 30 houses built a year. Fears that the plans shown are not an true representation of the actual estate that will be built. Concerned over the high percentage of affordable housing. There is no information on the price of the proposed housing, Sully is a pricey area used to executive standard properties. Little thought has been given to the kinds of family units that will be built i.e. retired couples or young families. General Should all of the traffic and amenity issues be resolved then the development would be acceptable. I would like to move back to Sully and my family area, this development would provide an opportunity for me to do so. Recognise the need for housing for first time buyers. There are already empty homes in the village and Penarth area. Sully will cease to have a community feel. The village has been over-developed over many years, we now have large estates and back garden building. A proposal to widen Cog Road was put forward by the Council in the 1950s, perhaps this could be re-considered. A contribution from the developer would be welcomed. Development will have an impact on existing house prices leading to devaluation. Conclusion Clearly the overriding concern raised by those opposed the development is the current road infrastructure and its perceived inability to cope with the additional traffic movements that will be created should the proposal be approved. Lack of amenity, loss of green space and visual impact were other predominant themes recorded as part of the consultation process. Despite the broad opposition there has been support from members of the community, particularly younger members or parents of adult children, who wish to return to the Sully area but are currently unable to so due to the lack of housing. Of those that support the proposals, or who do not have a viewpoint either way, there is interest in how this development could bring investment in the local area and will help regenerate the community by providing new amenities potentially through s106 monies. Many are hopeful that it will lead to more houses and more shops in the local area and potential investment in existing amenities, such as the local church and school, has been warmly welcomed by some. 8

9 The above is intended as a description and update on how the consultation process has been carried out thus far, and hopefully gives an indication as to the main issues raised by members of the community. As we hope the preceding section demonstrates, feedback from residents and local stakeholders is of great value to us and, as such, contact channels for the community engagement team will remain open. We encourage interested parties to get in touch with any further comments they have. 9

10 Appendix 1: Exhibition Boards 10

11 11

12 12

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14 Appendix 2: Exhibition Advertisement Public Exhibition Taylor Wimpey invites you to attend an exhibition to display its housing proposals for land west of Swanbridge Road, Sully The exhibition will take place on: Friday 12 th July 2013 from 2pm to 8pm at: Sully Sports & Leisure Club, South Road, Sully, CF64 5SP We hope to see you there and welcome your views on the proposals. If you have any queries, please contact the Project Team at 14

15 Appendix 3: Press Release PRESS RELEASE Tuesday 9 th July 2013 TAYLOR WIMPEY CONSULTS ON PROPOSAL FOR HOUSES IN SULLY Taylor Wimpey, the housing developer, is holding an event on Friday (12 th July) to seek the views of the local community on proposals to build homes on land west of Swanbridge Road in Sully, in the Vale of Glamorgan. Taylor Wimpey is proposing to build around 450 family homes, including a proportion of affordable housing. This public exhibition will be an opportunity for stakeholders and the local community to view Taylor Wimpey s vision for its proposed development. Taylor Wimpey s project team will be on hand to answer questions from local residents. Members of the public and local businesses are welcome to attend the event to give their input on the proposals. Following the feedback from this exhibition Taylor Wimpey will review its proposals and finalise the application. In the Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan, published in January 2012, a larger site west of Swanbridge Road was identified as suitable for accommodating 650 new homes. The smaller proposed site will meet a shortfall in land available for housing in the Vale of Glamorgan. The community event will take place from 2.00pm to 8.00pm on Friday 12 th July at the Sully Sports & Leisure Club. ENDS Notes to editor 15

16 For more information please contact Bobbie Davies on or , or 16

17 Appendix 4: Feedback Form 17

18 Appendix 5: Letter to Residents and Businesses {ADDRESS} 26 th June 2013 Dear Sully Resident, Land West of Swanbridge Road, Sully - Public Consultation Event I am writing to invite you to a public consultation event to outline Taylor Wimpey s plans for housing on land west of Swanbridge Road in Sully. Taylor Wimpey has a strong heritage in the delivery of high quality housing and is committed to consulting and engaging with the community. We want to keep local communities informed as we prepare and then submit our planning applications - we would welcome any comments you may have at this stage. We would therefore like to invite you to a public exhibition on Friday 12 th July 2013 from 2.00pm to 8.00pm at the Sully Sports & Leisure Club, South Road, Sully, CF64 5SP. Members of the project team will be available throughout the event to explain the proposals and answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, if we can provide any further information, please do not hesitate to taylorwimpey@communitycomms.co.uk If you would like to know more about Taylor Wimpey please visit our website at I very much look forward to meeting you at the event. Yours sincerely, Michael Fenton Strategic Planning Manager Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd 18

19 Appendix 6: Letter to Elected Representatives {ADDRESS} 26 th June 2013 {NAME} Land West of Swanbridge Road, Sully - Public Consultation Event I am writing to invite you to a public consultation event to outline Taylor Wimpey s plans for housing on land west of Swanbridge Road in Sully. Taylor Wimpey has a strong heritage in the delivery of high quality housing and is committed to consulting and engaging with the community. We would therefore like to invite you to a public exhibition on Friday 12 th July 2013 from 2.00pm to 8.00pm at the Sully Sports & Leisure Club, South Road, Sully, CF64 5SP. In addition, I would like to invite you to join us at a pre-exhibition briefing for elected members, council officers and other key stakeholders from 5.00pm-7.00pm on Thursday 11 th July at The Old School, Sully, CF64 5TG, in advance of the exhibition opening to the public on Friday. Members of the project team will be available throughout the event to explain the proposals and answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, if we can provide any further information, please do not hesitate to taylorwimpey@communitycomms.co.uk. If you would like to know more about Taylor Wimpey please visit our website at I very much look forward to meeting you at the event. Yours sincerely, Michael Fenton Strategic Planning Manager Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd 19

20 Appendix 7: Distribution Area for Invitations 2km radius = 2,323 business and residential addresses 20

21 Appendix 8: Update Letter to Community and Stakeholders {ADDRESS} 2 nd September 2013 Dear Sully Resident, I write to provide an update since our exhibition, held on the 11th July, and to provide some information on our proposals for those people who were unable to attend on the day. For those who were not able to view the exhibition, I have attached some basic information about the scheme and the correspondence address for any comments at the end of this newsletter. We were pleased to see so many people at the event, with over 550 people attending. We are awaiting receipt of all comment forms, given that many are expected to be sent in by post. From the feedback we have received so far, it is clear that the key issues raised by our proposals are: The size of the development. The transport implications and the impacts upon local roads. The impact on existing amenities and facilities in Sully. The visual impact of the proposals. We can assure you that these issues are being given full attention and analysis within the supporting studies and work that we are undertaking to support our forthcoming planning application. The size of the development responds to a national and local need for new housing and follows a detailed assessment undertaken by the Vale of Glamorgan to identify suitable locations for new housing allocations. As explained at the exhibition, there is a requirement to find housing land to accommodate 9,950 new dwellings in the Vale of Glamorgan up until The south east zone of the Vale has been identified by the Council as the more sustainable and suitable location for accommodating the new housing (broadly including the settlements of Barry, Penarth, Dinas Powys and Sully). As the largest settlement, Barry has been identified as being suitable for the highest level of housing development with sites for over 3,000 houses being required in and around it. Sully has been identified as being suitable to accommodate some of this development due to its existing facilities and transport links. Taylor Wimpey is now proposing a much smaller development for Sully compared with the growth that the Council believes is suitable to accommodate. We believe that the land south 21

22 of Cog Road can accommodate up to 450 houses, instead of the 650 identified by the Council. We recognise that this draft allocation needs to be ratified through the ongoing Local Development Plan process but feel that the time is right at present, with the current shortage of housing land supply, to make a planning application to allow the site to come forward for development. Whilst we appreciate that there is understandable concern about the proposals there are local benefits to arise from it, including: New homes for people. Improved public transport links and facilities. New school facilities to accommodate children from the development, which will also benefit existing residents of Sully. The ability to support existing and potentially new facilities within Sully through additional spending. Taylor Wimpey will be required to contribute to either provide a new community facility or the running or improvement of existing community facilities. The Next Steps Our consultants are currently reviewing the community consultation feedback we have received and working on the supporting documents required in order to make a planning application. Further discussions are taking place with the Council in order to ensure that all of the issues can be addressed within the submission and we would anticipate an application being made before the end of the summer. We will update you at that time and explain the finalised proposals and how feedback has been considered. In the meantime, if we can provide any further information, please do not hesitate to call a member of our consultation team on or taylorwimpey@communitycomms.co.uk. If you would like to know more about Taylor Wimpey please visit our website at Yours faithfully, Michael Fenton Strategic Planning Manager Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd 22