Objection to addition of 125 more houses in Loxwood
I am writing to object to the addition of a further 125 houses proposed for Loxwood over and above the 60 already allocated under the current Local Plan. I am detailing my objections on the following grounds.
The Soundness of the Plan
According to The National Planning Policy Framework Local Plans and/or developments are required to deliver sustainable development. If a plan does not deliver sustainability it is not sound. The suggested development of 125 additional houses in Loxwood is not, with the current infrastructure, sustainable particularly in relation to wastewater treatment, roads, transport, schools and healthcare facilities which are all at full capacity.
With regard to wastewater treatment, I understand that Southern Water have no plans to update the sewage system in their current budget (2020 to 2025) even though the system is already running at full capacity. The new Loxwood Green estate has had to install holding tanks for excess sewage, these tanks will require emptying by tankers.
Loxwood is only served by one bus per day to Guildford, resulting in additional cars on the roads for those people wishing to commute for work.
In conclusion I would say that 125 new houses in Loxwood does not meet the required sustainability outlined in the draft Local Plan and therefore the Plan cannot be considered Sound as set out in The National Planning Policy Framework.
The Process of the Planners
My understanding is that under National planning guidelines district councils are required to carry out "desktop" studies of potential housing sites and then consult.
However, the 125 new houses assigned to Loxwood have been suggested by developers proposing sites when CDC issued a call for sites. Under the existing Local Plan, Loxwood, Kirdford and Wisborough Green were each allocated 60 houses, under the new allocation Kirdford and Plaistow have no new houses allocated and Wisborough Green only 25. No consultation regarding the allocation has taken place with the parish and the distribution of housing has not been shared across the three parishes.
Having looked at all the facts my conclusion is that CDC has not followed national planning guidance in developing its draft Local Plan.