To what extent can the new application be “best described as a prison block”?
“Sidmouth has one of the most elderly demographics in England: this proposal will exacerbate this extreme inbalance further and could well be the tipping point when many services are unable to cope and function.” [submission by Barry Curwen]
The closing date for comments is 8th March 2024 – but as yet no date for determination has been set.
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Four weeks ago, the latest Knowle planning application was rejected by the planning authority. The developer has just put in a new application – which is basically the same with a few tweaks: (Variation to previous application (23/0571/MFUL) showing removal of balconies and elevational changes to west elevation of Retirement Living block)
The new documents submitted and available on the council’s website are not reflected, however, in the developer’s own Proposals – McCarthy Stone – Sidmouth.
So, it’s difficult to see, from the ‘Perspective Views‘ provided by the developer and uploaded onto the council’s website [see photo to the right], how the new plans will differ from the old – or “what can be best described as a prison block” from the perspective of a member of the council’s planning committee.
There have been further comments submitted on the council’s planning website – all of which are against the latest application. The closing date for comments is 8th March 2024, but as yet, no date for determination has been set.
Here is the closing section of the comment from Barry Curwen – which also includes a photograph of a view from the west, indicating the impact of the new-build – published with permission:
Fails to meet the Balanced Communities Strategy of The Local Plan.
The claim that this is a “balanced” proposal is ridiculous. Of the 163 housing units proposed only 7 “may not necessarily be aimed at the older generation”. Sidmouth has one of the most elderly demographics in England: this proposal will exacerbate this extreme inbalance further and could well be the tipping point when many services are unable to cope and function. You will receive submissions from others that will detail the impact on services, please take these submissions seriously.
This is a new full application and it should be considered against all local and national planning strategies and policies. Planning has a responsibility to promote sustainable communities. There is a specific requirement in the Local Plan that development should result in “more balanced communities” and the National Planning Policy Framework has a key social objective “to support strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by ensuring that a sufficient number and range of homes can be provided to meet the needs of present and future generations”.
This application should not be considered against the existing planning consent for this site, but even on this basis this proposal provides greater in-balance. Leaving out the 7 units that “may” not be aimed at the older generation it represents an increase of 38% (consent 113 – proposed 156) and does not provide the public benefits previously included in the existing consent.
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