Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan 2017-2028

SUBMISSION VERSION - JULY 2017 DOCUMENT 2: NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

This document was put together by the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group and One A Ltd on behalf of Rearsby Parish Council CONTENTS

1. Neighbourhood Plans

2. How to read this document

3. Context of the Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan

4. Public Engagement to Create the Neighbourhood Plan

5. Evidencing Community and Local Priorities

6. The National and Local Policy Context

7. Rearsby’s Vision, Objectives and Proposals

8. Neighbourhood Plan Policies

9. Implementation of the Neighbourhood Plan

10. Appendices

Appendix One: Supplementary Evidence and information in support of Plan Policies

Appendix Two: Guidelines from ‘Rearsby Village Design Statement, 2002’

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1. NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANS The 2011 Localism Act has given communities, such as Rearsby, the right to draw up a Neighbourhood Plan. The right is aimed at giving local communities genuine opportunities to influence the future of the places where they live. Decisions on planning applications must take account of Neighbourhood Plans. The contents of the Neighbourhood Plan are restrained to some degree by the national planning policy framework and the local plan for Charnwood Borough.

2. HOW TO READ THIS DOCUMENT This Neighbourhood Plan document sets out how the priorities for the parish of Rearsby have been expressed by local residents and businesses and how these priorities can be supported by other documented evidence. The Plan examines national planning guidance and the Charnwood Core Strategy development plan documents and then provides discussion about the key planning issues facing Rearsby. This is followed by identifying the local priorities and vision for the community’s future. The Plan policies that have emerged from this process are then detailed, with the Proposals Maps expressing these policies in geographical form. Further evidence supporting these policies is summarised in the Appendices. The final section gives pointers to the mechanisms that could assist in implementing the Plan, once it has been approved. This is the formal document now submitted to Charnwood Borough Council.

Rearsby Parish Council - Neighbourhood Area

3 3 SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 3. THE CONTEXT OF THE REARSBY NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN AREA 3.1 The Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan area covers the parish of Rearsby, located in the Wreake Valley in Charnwood Borough, Leicestershire. It borders the neighbouring rural settlements of Brooksby, Thrussington, East Goscote, Queniborough and Gaddesby, with one village and substantial farmland covering approximately 600 hectares in extent. The by-pass opened in 2004 dissects the parish area almost into two halves. 3.2 At the time of the 2011 Census. Rearsby had a population of 1097 - 528 males (48.1%) and 569 females (51.9%) - with a density of 1.8 persons per hectare. There were 407 households, with an average household size of 2.7 people per household. There were 21.6% of residents were aged 65 or over, fairly typical of rural areas, but slightly higher than the averages for Charnwood (16.4%), East Midlands (17.1%) and England (16.3%). There were 136 households with dependent children - 236 children and youth (21.3%) aged between 0-17. 120 of the households had ‘no adults in employment’, but only 2 of those had dependent children. 73 households contained at least one resident with a long-term health problem or disability - 16 of those had at least one dependent child. By 2016, total households had risen by 55 new properties (a mixture of market and affordable homes, including bungalows) to approximately 462. 3.3 The majority of homes in the parish are detached (77.9%) houses or bungalows, with 12.5% semi-detached and 8.4% terraced. Overcrowding is not an issue, with only a small number of households (5 households or 1.2%) with dependent children and lone parent family households likely to be affected. The figures also suggested that there is a lack of smaller properties (less than 3 bedrooms) in the parish. This compounds the difficulty for older people who want to downsize within the parish, as well as younger people (and people on low incomes) wanting their first independent home. 3.4 The Neighbourhood Plan has drawn on work originally carried out to produce the “Rearsby Village Design Statement” in 2002, which assessed the landscape quality in the area and drew attention to ancient and important buildings, landmarks, roads and paths. The Guidelines of the Design Statement are included in the Neighbourhood Plan within Appendix Two below.

4 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT TO CREATE THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 4.1 During the early part of 2015 the ‘Keep Rearsby Rural’ campaign galvanised opposition to a first proposal for large-scale housing development on Melton Road. By mid-summer over 400 objections had been submitted to Charnwood Planning Department and the Planning Committee agreed to refuse approval to the planning application. (Over 400 objections have also been submitted to a further application on this site in 2017). 4.2 Whilst the responses to that application were under way, other village discussions had begun on how to respond more proactively towards future ideas for any other kinds of development in the village area. A Working Group of the Parish Council was established to draw together the work necessary to produce a

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Neighbourhood Plan, and an application was made to Charnwood Borough Council in May 2015 for the parish to be designated as a Neighbourhood Area. Formal agreement of this designation was obtained from the Borough in August 2015. 4.3 Public Meetings to explain the process for compiling a local Neighbourhood Plan commenced in September 2015, and the canvassing of different stakeholders and local interests began from October 2015 onwards. During December 2015 and January 2016 conversations were held with members of a range of local groups and organisations, and the issues and concerns that were raised then fed back to the wider village community in door-to-door leaflets and the local village newsletter. 4.4 In March 2016 two public meetings were arranged for the village community to discuss initial suggestions and ideas for what should shape the future Neighbourhood Plan, leading then to a full survey of all households in the village during May and June 2016 that sought feedback on how the village might ‘evolve’ over the period to 2028. The survey response rate was 40% of all village households and the results were placed in the village magazine and on-line (www. rearsbyneighbourhoodplan.org.uk). 4.5 In September 2016, the Parish Council secured £6,000 to support the next stages of drafting a proposed Plan from ‘Locality’ (the national body assisting with community development projects) and engaged ‘OneA Planning’ as consultants. The funds have been used to cover the costs of further village meetings and ‘Drop-In’ sessions (November 2016 to March 2017) including the use of large maps of the parish area to share ideas about the Plan area, and to draft the policies that might best assist the Plan’s desired outcomes. This draft was circulated to all households and businesses in the parish and to all necessary statutory bodies for further consultation, and a list of the comments received has been summarised in the Statement of Consultation that has been submitted along with the Neighbourhood Plan. 4.6 Further funding was obtained from ‘Locality’ in May 2017 for completing all the documentation required to submit the final Plan, and Parish Council approved the final papers for submission to Charnwood Borough Council at its meeting on 6th July 2017.

5. EVIDENCING COMMUNITY AND LOCAL PRIORITIES 5.1 What is of most interest to the village? The majority viewpoint from residents, groups and other community bodies is that the village’s rural character should be maintained. People wish to maintain a clear ‘separation’ from neighbouring areas and do not want the village to be part of a wider sprawl that in time becomes linked first to East Goscote and then on to the broader Leicester-area. Villagers feel the village should continue to evolve slowly, and that its distinct identity and character be retained. 5.2 How do people wish to see Rearsby develop? Of most concern is that any built development in the future should not contain large housing projects. The strong feeling is that any new housing should be on a modest scale that can maximise suitable and affordable homes for local residents.

5 SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 Green and natural open spaces like the ‘Conker Field’ and surrounding fields need to be protected, as does the Conservation area (and extended where possible). There is clear interest to bring open and green spaces and the maintenance of hedges and trees under community management, and to increase opportunities for new footpaths. 5.3 Survey of community priorities A series of concerns raised from initial consultations with local community groups and societies was used for a household survey of how local priorities might be rated.

– each bar denotes the percentage from a total of 138 returns that rated how each of the topics labelled could be weighted within Neighbourhood Plan priorities.

Source: Rearsby Household Survey, May-June 2016, www.rearsbyneighbourhoodplan.org.uk

5.4 What else is wanted in the village? People wish to see existing village amenities protected; shop facilities reintroduced into the village; and more leisure opportunities for both young and old members of the community. More control is wanted over speeding traffic in the village and the parking congestion that is apparent at certain parts of the ‘school day’. Villagers also want the bus routes to be maintained. The future of the school is considered crucial, and more facilities are wanted in the village for pre-school and nursery provision, although support is generally split between maintaining the school’s current size and for creating something bigger. Access to fast broadband is desired for the entire village, and that local renewable energy supplies could assist business development. 5.5 Feedback from the business and commercial sector There are over fifty businesses located within the parish area, from medium-size companies to small businesses operating from a home location, drawing on a workforce that comes from inside and outside the parish boundary. The main area

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of the larger firms is on the ‘industrial park’: there are medium to long-term aspirations to grow this employment area in size along its Gaddesby Lane site. A principal desire from local businesses is a fast broadband link across the parish area 5.6 Feedback from key landowners The largest landowners in the parish are those holding elements of the local farmland, but most of these have a base or identity outside of the area. Local farmers have expressed the desire that the value of retaining farmland is recognised in the Plan. As part of the Borough Council’s exercises in 2016 and 2017 to invite ideas for sites to be considered for future housing development across the Borough, initial proposals have submitted for sites in different positions along Melton Road. No new sites have been identified as suitable. A speculative planning proposal has been lodged for 70 new properties and has been evaluated in the light of the proposed policy on Rearsby’s ‘Settlement Area’ outlined in the Plan Polices given below. Other discussions with landowners has commenced on potential ‘exception site’ housing, under the terms of this Plan, and negotiations have been concluded on the transfer to community ownership of land within the Convent redevelopment proposals. 5.7 Feedback from other statutory and local stakeholders Details of the proposed Neighbourhood Plan have been distributed to a range of necessary statutory stakeholders and neighbouring Parish Councils. Suggestions received from them have been incorporated as noted in the ‘Consultation Statement’.

6. THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL POLICY CONTEXT 6.1 National Planning Policy Framework The purpose of the UK planning system, as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 2012), is to achieve sustainable development. This broadly means that providing for the needs of the current generation should not reflect negatively or be a constraint to the life opportunities of future generations. The ‘Charnwood Local Plan Core Strategy’ has the NPPF’s principles at the heart of its own core values. 6.2 Leicester and Leicestershire Strategic Growth Plan and other assessments Charnwood is part of the wider housing market for Leicester and Leicestershire, and a Strategic Growth Plan is being prepared through 2017 to reflect on the amount of homes and jobs needed to be distributed across Leicester and Leicestershire. A new ‘Leicester and Leicestershire Housing and Economic Needs Assessment’ (HEDNA) was completed and published in January 2017, using as a starting point a projected 28.3% rise in the Borough’s population between 2011 and 2036. Its data is being reviewed not least to aid reflection on what type and tenure of new properties should be built.

7 SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 6.3 Charnwood Local Plan Core Strategy 2011-28, and Core Strategy Review 2017-19 The Planning Authority’s ‘Local Plan Core Strategy’, adopted in November 2015 makes provision for around 14,000 new homes between 2011 and 2028. (Policy CS1). In the main, these new units will be located within Sustainable Urban Extensions to the north-east of Leicester and west of Loughborough, in a direction of growth to the north of Birstall, and in local ‘Service Centres’. As of the 31st March 2017 the local planning authority has been able to demonstrate a five-year supply of land for housing as required by the National Planning Policy Framework. The housing requirement figure for Charnwood is 13,490 new homes, between the period 2011 – 2028. Figure 1 on page 29 of the Core Strategy sets out that the estimated total supply from completions, commitments and strategic sites is 15,436 new homes which, illustrates that the housing requirement figure of 13,490 has been met. The Borough Council has also commenced work to create a new Local Plan in accordance with the Charnwood Local Development Scheme 2016. The new Local Plan will include strategic and detailed policies and be prepared to provide for a longer plan period than the adopted Charnwood Core Strategy, which provides for development matters up to 2028. A Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was issued by Charnwood Borough Council in March 2017, providing information and guidance on development plan policies. The SPD considers matters of affordable and market housing provision and encourages planning for rural exception sites in Neighbourhood Plans, such as that included on the Rearsby Proposal Maps below. 6.4 Evaluation of Rearsby’s needs in relation to the 2011- 28 Local Plan Core Strategy Village concerns for meeting Rearsby’s needs in the 2011-2028 period have focused on the following areas of planning matters: a) Settlement Patterns b) Landscape and Open Spaces c) Housing d) Employment 6.5 Settlement Patterns Policy CS1 (Development Strategy) identifies a settlement hierarchy, which includes a group of ‘other settlements’ where overall provision is made for a total of least 500 new houses within settlement boundaries. These ‘other settlements’ include Rearsby alongside Barkby, Burton on the Wolds, Cossington, East Goscote, Hathern, Newtown Linford, Queniborough, Thrussington, Thurcaston, Woodhouse Eaves, Wymeswold, and are principally villages that have four or more key services and facilities, e.g. primary school, public house, community centre etc. and bus access to a larger centre. The Local Plan notes that such small settlements may be suitable for small-scale infill development to meet local need. This is clarified in para 4.50 of the Core Strategy.

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“To be considered small scale, a development should be appropriate in size for the village they are in and the character of the site’s location and surroundings. This could include single or small groups of homes that are developed through the conversion of existing buildings or on infill plots. Any development that increases the need to travel by car will not be considered to be acceptable small-scale development.” Policy CS11 (Landscape and Countryside) in the Charnwood Local Plan Core Strategy 2011-2028 furthermore requires, “new development to maintain the separate identities of our towns and villages” and supports areas of separation where justified. 6.6 Landscape and Open Spaces One of the ‘key challenges’ identified by the Charnwood Local Plan Core Strategy is an overall lack of green space and leisure facilities across the Borough area: “there is a need for a variety of green spaces and leisure facilities across the Borough, including parks, natural open space, amenity green space, outdoor sport, facilities for children and young people, outdoor and indoor sport facilities and allotments”. The Charnwood Landscape Character Assessment places the Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan area within the ‘Wreake Valley Character’ area. Within this area, guidelines favour the conservation and enhancement of the tranquil and self-contained rural area east of Broome Lane, East Goscote. Emphasis is also placed on the need to preserve the openness of the Wreake Valley and to enhance tree planting to soften the edges of larger settlements. It is not considered that new development of any scale on greenfield land would conserve or enhance the rural character in these locations. Flood zones are shown in the Charnwood Strategic Flood Risk Update 2014. The attached map shows that the primary flood risk in Rearsby Parish is associated with the River Wreake and its tributaries. The Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) screening assessment of the Charnwood Local Plan showed that the Plan was not likely to have a significant effect either alone or in combination on a European site, and that an Appropriate Assessment was not required. 6.7 Housing From the requirement to deliver 500 new housing units across the ‘other settlements’ category during 2011-2028, the Borough Council’s Annual Monitoring returns show there have been 329 completions at March 16, with further completions projected at 583 across the Plan period. This is an indicative total of at least 912 new units from completions, commitments and strategic sites against a target of 500. Of the parishes in the ‘other settlements’ category, Rearsby’s 2011 census population of 1097 represents 6.6% of the total population of these settlements in this category. With 55 households already added in the parish to that 2011 total, and at least 22 further units identified by the Neighbourhood Plan as either on-site or in approvals from the Borough Council (and not accounting for any ‘Exception Site’ developments) it is clear that a substantial degree of new housing has already been

9 SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 provided or allocated for a village this size. Significant areas of additional new housing land in the parish are not required to improve contributions towards wider targets - new housing will be on smaller-scale and minor infill sites, tailored to meet local need. The Borough Council has furthermore commenced a process to update ‘rural housing needs surveys’ across the Borough, using the assistance of Midlands Rural Housing. It has been agreed to conduct a survey in Rearsby during Autumn 2017, following the completion of the Neighbourhood Plan. This will also be able to consider independent assessments on local need already presented under the process of creating this Plan. 6.8 Employment and Economic Development Charnwood Borough Council’s Employment Land Review 2014, which advised the Core Strategy Policy CS10, pointed to the industrial needs for modern moderate/ good quality units of up to 300sq m and larger. An area such as the existing industrial units as at Rearsby Business Park, Gaddesby Lane should be afforded planning protection from inappropriate change of use.

7. REARSBY’S VISION, PRIORITIES AND PROPOSALS 7.1 The key Issues

There is a strong feeling and desire for Rearsby to remain a rural community with its own sense of identity and place. Whilst there is a need to maintain and extend the mix of housing, including more local provision of sheltered or supported accommodation and affordable homes, the public consultation process has also shown that there is concern about the capacity of the village to absorb significant new residential development. Other identified concerns are focused on the perceived risk of closing the countryside gap with adjacent settlement to the west of the village and about a further impact from more residential development on the surrounding countryside. Small-scale housing development using brownfield or infill sites can be acceptable, but local people have indicated that the location of new housing should be either within the existing village as defined by the Settlement Limits on the ‘Proposals’ maps, or an ‘exception’ site that conforms with the policies contained below. Public open space within the village is a valued asset of Rearsby and the opportunity afforded by the development of the convent for housing and the possible dedication for public use/ownership of the Conker Field is an important issue for local people. The conservation of play spaces, the sports field and other amenity open spaces, including rights of way, footpaths and highway verges, are also important local issues.

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7.2 Summary of the considered ‘evidence’ in support of a local Neighbourhood Plan

A number of key conclusions can be drawn from the data and consultations that have been considered in order to create this Neighbourhood Plan: • there is a need to maintain distinct areas of separation between Rearsby and other settlements; • public access to natural and other Open Space within and around the village needs to be protected; • there is no need to identify any specific large sites for new housing to contribute to the requirements of the Local Plan Core Strategy; • new housing should be small in scale to respond to village character and need, particularly for modest-sized units for young households and for elderly villagers; • there is a healthy degree of local employment and an appetite to expand this in the future. 7.3 The Vision of the Neighbourhood Plan

The vision for Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan is that, by 2028 it will:

• have sustained the distinct and separate character of the village • be a parish with a thriving natural environment and sustainable habitats • be a parish with a vibrant local economy • have incorporated changes into the area that have brought benefit to the whole community 7.4 Neighbourhood Plan Priorities

To deliver the vision of the Plan, the following priorities have been set: • To safeguard suitable areas of local separation between Rearsby and its neighbouring communities; • To protect the village and parish environment, heritage, landscape, vistas and amenity spaces; • To shape future development in order for it to be sensitive to its ‘built setting’ and Conservation Area and to its rural surroundings; • To tailor any house-building activity to the needs of the community and the context of Rearsby’s character; • To maintain and support a vibrant local economy. 7.5 Neighbourhood Plan Proposals and Policies

In support of the above objectives, the Neighbourhood Plan contains a series of specific proposals and policies: Proposal Map 1 denotes the main proposals for the Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan area. This denotes key principles for the designation and use of land across the Plan area. Proposal Map 2 denotes proposals around the ‘Settlement Limits’ of the core area.

11 SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 This material has been reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data with the permission of Controller Her Majesty's Stationary Office. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. © Crown copyright. Licence No. 100023558 Any Aerial Photography shown is copyright of UK Perspectives Scale: 1:8500 Date: 18-01-2016 Time: 11:45:08 R1 R1 R2 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R9

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100 KEY Rearsby Parish Boundary Rearsby Limits to Development Boundary 0 Employment Area important verges & Open Space Protected Area Natural of Environment Neighbourhood Boundary Parish & Area Area Local of Separation (ALS) Settlement Limits Extensions Settlement to Limits Ext. 2 Land adj Village Hall New housing - Convent Conservation Area Ext. 1 Convent land First Potential Exception for housing Site Rearsby 1 2 N Key

Playing Field Rearsby Business Park Playing Field Brookside Play Area Play Brookside First potential Exception for Site Housing use Extension Settlement to Limits 2 This material has been reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data with the permission of Controller Her Majesty's Stationary Office. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. © Crown copyright. Licence No. 100023558 Any Aerial Photography shown is copyright of UK Perspectives Scale: 1:? Date: 19-01-2017 Time: 10:22:03 Playing Field Bog Lane Conker Field Rearsby Extension Settlement to Limits 1 Scale: 1:? Charnwood Borough Council Date: 19-01-2017 Time: 10:22:03 This material has been reproduced from

Coouncil Offices new housingConvent- Ordnance Survey digital map data with the permission of the Controller of Southfield Road Her Majesty's Stationary Office. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Loughborough Crown copyright and may lead to Leicestershire prosecution or civil proceedings. © Crown copyright. LE11 2TX Licence No. 100023558 Bluestone Play Field Any Aerial Photography shown is copyright www.charnwood.gov.uk of UK Perspectives

East Goscote East Goscote Charnwood Borough Council Coouncil Offices Southfield Road Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 2TX www.charnwood.gov.uk

Map 1: Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan Proposals Plan Ordnance Survey PSMA licence number: 0100058652 12 SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 Charnwood Borough Council Southfields Southfield Road Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 2TN tel: (01509) 263151 www.charnwood.gov.uk Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan

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R2 Settlement Limits 0S6 Extensions to Settlement Limits R2 1 Ext. 1 Convent land 1 2 Ext. 2 Land adj Village Hall

New housing - Convent R3 0S4

First Potential Exception Site for housing R4

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Scale: 1:? Charnwood Borough Council Date: 19-01-2017 Time: 10:22:03 This material has been reproduced from Coouncil Offices Ordnance Survey digital map data with the permission of the Controller of Southfield Road Her Majesty's Stationary Office. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Loughborough Crown copyright and may lead to Leicestershire prosecution or civil proceedings. © Crown copyright. LE11 2TX Licence No. 100023558

Any Aerial Photography shown is copyright www.charnwood.gov.uk of UK Perspectives

East Goscote

Map 2: Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan Proposals Plan Ordnance Survey PSMA licence number: 0100058652 13 SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017

Any Aerial Photography shown is copyright www.charnwood.gov.uk of UK Perspectives

East Goscote This contains more detail on particular uses and proposals for sites and land in and around the village core of the parish. The ‘Plan Policies’ detail the way future proposals and planning applications for developmental change in the parish will be considered. It is expected that future development will comply with the detail set out in these policies. A combined ‘Statement of Supplementary Evidence and Information in Support of Plan Policies’ has been placed in the Appendices to this Plan. This provides detail for how each of the proposed polices has been considered, and denotes the criteria used to justify the conclusions reached from the procedures that have been used.

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8. NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN POLICIES 8.1 Sustainable Development in Rearsby

The Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan takes a positive approach to proposals that contribute to sustainable development in the village area. This includes working with the Parish and Borough Councils, local Rearsby community organisations, developers and other partners to encourage the formulation of development proposals which clearly demonstrate how sustainable development has been considered and addressed. 8.2 Area of Local Separation between Rearsby and East Goscote

In local surveys, the highest priority of the responses received from residents was for ‘upholding the character of the village’. The desire to preserve the integrity of Rearsby’s separate identity and to maintain a geographical separation between local villages has been the most keenly expressed issue throughout the resident consultations. This threat is particularly felt to the west of Rearsby, where the open countryside gap adjacent to East Goscote is already one of the narrowest areas of separation between adjacent parishes in the Borough as a whole. Any development in this zone is seen to represent a risk of coalescence that would be of clear harm to the rural character and geographic autonomy of both villages. The overall boundary of the proposed Area of Local Separation (ALS) has been advised by the criteria developed by the 2016 Review of Local Areas of Separation produced by Charnwood Borough Council, and is in accord with Core Strategy Policy CS11 (Landscape and Countryside). The ALS takes as its starting point the boundary defined by Charnwood Borough Council in its ‘Green Wedges, Urban Fringe Green Infrastructure Enhancement Zones and Areas of Local Separation Methodology and Assessment Report’ form 2016. The ALS area denoted by the lines on the Proposals Maps represents a proposed expansion of this boundary to safeguard a wider stretch of land between Rearsby and East Goscote, as supported by community consultation - namely (a) land to the east of Melton Road down to Queniborough Brook and the bypass; and (b) land to the west of the playpark behind Mill Road / Auster Crescent, stretching to the railway line. (See Appendix One for additional information on the criteria used here.) POLICY R1 AREA OF LOCAL SEPARATION: To retain the physical and visual separation between Rearsby and East Goscote. The total agreed area will be zoned an Area of Local Separation as designated on the Proposal Maps. Development proposals in the identified gaps should be located and designed to maintain, and where possible, enhance the separation of the villages concerned. 8.3 Rearsby Settlement Limits

The methodology used to denote the proposed Settlement Limits identified in this Plan has used the criteria set by Charnwood Borough Council in its “Process for the Identification of Settlement Limits Boundaries, 2016”, and has been detailed in the Appendices. Within the Settlement Limits, new development will be viewed sympathetically where it can be demonstrated to be in accord with Policy R2 and where this will not

15 SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 adversely impact upon the flood plain of the village brook (see also Policy R7). Any development will mainly comprise infill; the filling of a restricted gap in an otherwise built up frontage; or the conversion of an existing building or backland area. Any development will be required to demonstrate that it meets a identified local need, and is well designed and located.

POLICY R2 REARSBY SETTLEMENT LIMITS: Within the Settlement Limits as shown on the Proposals Maps, development proposals for infill development and the conversion of existing buildings will be supported. Proposals should demonstrate that they have taken account of the following that it: a. Is small scale, and reflects the size, character and level of service provision of Rearsby; b. Meets a clearly identified need for Rearsby; c. Retains existing boundaries such as trees, hedges and streams which either con-tribute to visual amenity or are of important for their ecological value; d. Considers important views and vistas, especially those identified in the Rearsby Conservation Area Appraisal; e. Considers the distinctive qualities of the special and attractive landscape in which Rearsby is situated, including areas of potential flooding; f. Considers the conservation of heritage assets, including their sitings, in a manner appropriate to their significance; g. Considers the amenity of neighbouring occupiers by way of privacy, daylight, noise, visual intrusion or amenity; h. Does not reduce garden/green space to an extent where it adversely affects the distinctive character of Rearsby or the amenity of the proposed occupiers of the new development or adjacent properties or uses; i. Any traffic generation and parking impact created does not result in an unacceptable direct or cumulative impact on congestion or road and pedestrian safety.

8.4 New Housing The Neighbourhood Plan recognises that there is scope for further small infill or redevelopment/conversion within the village of Rearsby, demarcated by the Settlement Limits shown on the Proposals Maps. It is recognised that a variety of new housing stock would be of help to sustain a diverse and sustainable community. This would include smaller homes for young households and for elderly villagers wishing to downsize but remain in the core of Rearsby village, close to amenities and public transport.

POLICY R3 HOUSING MIX: New housing development proposals should be provided in accordance with meeting the housing need identified in the parish. The provision of smaller and affordable homes, especially for young families, young people and for older people who wish to downsize, will be encouraged. Proposals for the provision of new housing through conversion of the Convent, Station Road and the building of new housing on adjacent land are shown on the Proposals Map. This proposal is conditional upon an agreement that the land known as “the Conker Field” is offered for public use to an appropriate adopting body and that this land is thereafter retained and maintained by the appropriate adopting body.

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Proposals for forms of ‘community-led’ development, like self-build, land trusts and cohousing developments, will be encouraged where the sites seem appropriate and where interest can be evidenced for such development. 8.5 Exception Sites

Proposals Map 1 of the Neighbourhood Plan provides the Settlement Limits set around the core of the village. Additional incursion across these boundary limits to provide new development will only be supported under the terms of Policy R4.

POLICY R4 EXCEPTION SITES: Proposals for the use of sites outside the Settlement Limits, but adjacent to and connected to the existing village, will be supported, subject to the following criteria. a. Sites provide development that is of material benefit to the village community, the nature of which shall be determined through agreement reached by the Parish Council, in liaison with the Planning Authority; b. At least 75% of the units are provided as affordable housing, as defined under clause c) below, where the total number of units in a single development will not be more than 10 dwellings; c. The proposals contribute towards new accommodation for shared ownership, affordable rent and social rent provision that meets the identified needs of people with an established local connection, through agreement reached by the Parish Council, in liaison with the Planning Authority; d. The development is subject to an agreement which will ensure that new housing stock re- mains as affordable housing in perpetuity for people with a local connection, through a local organisation that has been identified as suitable for that role; e. The development is appropriate, in terms of scale, character and location, and adheres to the design criteria promoted in accordance with this plan, especially where site development is within the Conservation Area of the village.

‘Open market’ housing may only be included in an ‘Exception Site’ development where it can be demonstrated to be essential to ensure the delivery of affordable housing as part of the same development, and where such ‘open market’ provision amounts to less than 25% of the total number of units involved.

Proposals Map 2 of the Neighbourhood Plan provides a first example of a site that has been identified as suitable for the implementation of this policy. This has been assessed following consideration of criteria set out by the Planning Authority for reviewing settlement limits and in relation to its proximity to routes of public transport; its ease of access for construction purpos- es; and its contiguity to existing residential buildings.

Other sites may be considered during the lifetime of the Plan using these criteria. 8.6 Employment sites

There are numerous small and large business in Rearsby providing important employment and economic development opportunities for local people. In particular the Rearsby Business Park, Gaddesby Lane is an important employment location, referred to in the justification for Charnwood Core Strategy Policy CS 10. Rearsby Business Park is allocated as an Employment area on the Proposals Maps.

17 SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 POLICY R5a PROTECTION OF EXISTING COMMERCIAL PREMISES OR LAND IN THE EMPLOYMENT ZONE: There will be a strong presumption against the loss of commercial premises in the employment area. Applications for a change of use to an activity that does not provide employment opportunities will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated that: a. it can be demonstrated through active, extensive and realistic marketing over a period of two years that the land or premises are no longer required to meet future employment needs and that there is a lack of demand for the land and premises in that location; b. the proposed use is compatible with neighbouring uses and, where applicable, would not prejudice the continued use of neighbouring land for employment. POLICY R5b NEW COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE EMPLOYMENT AREA: New (B class) commercial development in the employment area will be supported subject to the following criteria: a. The scale and nature of the proposals would not have significant harmful impacts on the amenities of adjoining activities b. The scale and nature of the proposals would not have an unacceptable impact on existing commercial activities on adjacent land, including agricultural activity. c. The proposal would not have unacceptable impacts on the local road network, particularly in respect of the volume of HGV traffic. d. Sufficient landscaping is required to protect landscape character and to reinforce a sense of place and local distinctiveness.

8.7 Open Spaces

The Neighbourhood Plan seeks to give sufficient protection to local open spaces and other natural amenities, and to invigorate the community’s enjoyment of such places wherever possible given the lack of any formal parks in the parish or public access to wider amounts of natural green spaces. The Rearsby Household Survey May-June 2016 showed that 80% of residents who took part considered that creating more ‘open and green’ space was a priority and 95% thought that ‘upholding the character of the village’ was important. In a later map-based exercise, local people identified open and green areas of significance to them. This local significance may have been as a result of the green area’s beauty, historic importance, recreational value, tranquility or richness of its wildlife. By designating the land as open space in the Neighbourhood Plan, we shall be able to rule out new development other than in special circumstances. POLICY R6 PROTECTION OF OPEN SPACES : The following open spaces are identified on the Proposals Map as important local facilities. Development that is not clearly related to the use of the areas as open spaces will not be supported. OS1 The area of the Brook along Brookside

OS2 The Village Green

OS3 Bog Lane

OS4 Conker Field and Spinney, Station Road

OS5 Open space / Field on Melton Road opposite New Avenue and Weston Close

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OS6 Wide verges - Station Road / Bleakmore Close / Wreake Avenue / Brookside

OS7 Bluestone Playing Field

OS8 Playing Field off Melton Road

OS9 Church Lane / Brookside Play Park

New development proposals which impact adversely on the function, openness and permanence of these sites will not be permitted unless replacement provision is supplied in a suitable location that is at least of equal quantity and quality as the space(s) being replaced.

New development proposals in the parish will be required to provide contributions towards meeting the standards of the Charnwood Open Spaces Strategy. Development proposals will be viewed sympathetically where there is scope for creative arrangements to protect local open space provision. 8.8 Protection of the natural environment

The Neighbourhood Plan seeks to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the natural environment by retaining and enhancing existing natural boundaries such as the trees, hedges, water courses and streams which either contribute to visual amenity or are important for their ecological value.

POLICY R7 PROTECTION OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT : Planning applications shall be supported which; a) enhance existing habitats and biodiversity, including the planting of native trees and hedgerows on their boundary;

b) encourage and support the creation of new habitats; c) establish effective wildlife corridors between existing and new habitats in conjunction with landowners;

d) enhance access by providing easy and safe pedestrian and cycle routes, consistent with protection of habitats and biodiversity; and

e) create additional green space f) avoid being detrimental to the following key natural features of the village that have been identified as locally important: Gateway views of Rearsby with substantial mature tree cover . from Thrussington . from Brooksby . from Gaddesby Views over the Wreake Valley looking across countryside land west of Melton Road Flood plain walk to Thrussington

19 SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 Tree Preservation Orders for the significant woodland area (over 200 trees) in the Convent area Conservation Area and flood plain area along the Brook, with mature willows and ancient hedgerows. The paddocks and private garden areas on the southern side of the brook along Brookside, shown as an Area of Natural Environment on the Proposals Map. Planning applications should, where appropriate, be supported by ecological surveys of the site and surrounding area with information on any proposed mitigating actions to address potential adverse impacts.

g) take a sequential approach to assess the potential for there to be adverse consequences from any built proposal within the area of identified flood risk, as understood by the Environment Agency (and any successor body). 8.9 Local Community Amenities

Rearsby has a range of existing services and facilities, including a primary school, a church, two pubs, a community centre, and sports and recreation facilities. In the Rearsby Household Survey 2016, 70% of respondents wanted to see more facilities for young people. The Neighbourhood Plan supports the conservation of community amenities and other infrastructure projects and the delivery of new or enhanced amenities using various sources of funds as appropriate.

POLICY R8 PROTECTION OF LOCAL COMMUNITY AMENITIES: Development that would result in the loss or partial loss of existing community amenities will be resisted unless it can be demonstrated that the facility is no longer in active use and has no prospect of being brought back into use or is to be replaced by a new amenity in the village of at least an equivalent standard. Proposals which enhance and improve community amenities will be supported. The existing amenities identified under this policy are: Rearsby Village Hall St Michael and All Angels Primary School St Michael and All Angels Church ‘Horse & Groom’ Public House ‘The Wheel’ Public House Village Allotments, Melton Road Village Playing Fields, Melton Road Children’s Playpark on Brookside Children’s Playpark, Auster Crescent Public bus route Other amenities that may be created in time will be added to this list.

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8.10 Conservation Area and Heritage

The Neighbourhood Plan supports the existing Conservation Area status that exists within part of the core of the village (identified on Proposal Map Two) and endorses the guidance relating to changes in this area contained in the Rearsby Village Design Statement 2002, (see Appendix Two). An updated appraisal of the Conservation area was conducted by Charnwood Borough Council in 2010.

POLICY R9A REARSBY CONSERVATION AREA: Development within or adjacent to the Rearsby Conservation Area will be supported provided that: 1. the form, design, scale and materials respect the Conservation Area and in the case of an extension to a property, the host building; 2. development respects the setting of any important open spaces and safeguards significant trees; 3. within the Conservation area, development should protect open spaces and their setting 4. historic features such as stone boundary walls, are preserved or enhanced; 5. important views are preserved or enhanced; and 6. it protects the character and setting of the Conservation Area 7. it preserves or enhances the significance of the designated heritage assets and their settings including listed buildings, the Conservation Area, scheduled monuments and assets above and below ground; 8. it complies with the guidance contained in the Rearsby Village Design Statement 2002.

Where opportunities arise, particularly through new development, schemes will be considered favourably that contribute to, or enhances, existing heritage assets.

POLICY 9B HERITAGE ASSETS : The determination of planning applications which would affect any of the heritage assets and features of historic interest listed below will assess the need for, or public benefit of, the proposed development against the significance of the asset and the extent to which it could be harmed: • The formal ‘listed’ buildings noted in the Village Design Guide, 2002 • ‘Locally-listed’ buildings identified in the Charnwood Borough Council Conservation Area Review July 2010 a) The Grange, Grange Avenue, Rearsby b) Convent, Station Road, Rearsby c) Railway station, Station Road, Rearsby The surviving areas of well-preserved ‘Ridge and Furrow’ fields in the Conker Field and along Station Road / Wreake Drive are non-designated heritage assets and any development proposal in these areas will need to be balanced against their impact on these heritage assets.

21 SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 8.11 Traffic Management and New Transport Schemes

The Neighbourhood Plan notes the local concerns raised about traffic issues and will support development that can reduce movement of heavy goods vehicles through the village, safeguard the integrity of local bridges, and promote enhanced safety features for all members of the community.

POLICY R10 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENTS: Proposals for development that result in improvements in safety and traffic management and the provision of/improvements to transport infrastructure will be fully supported, provided that: a) Highway improvement schemes to promote the safety of pedestrians and cycle users are provided; b) Traffic calming measures, pedestrian priority schemes and reduction in traffic speeds on routes through the village, are provided; c) Measures are included in the layout of any new development that can encourage walking, cycling and access to modes of local and community transport, to and from the village; d) Local bus services are sustained at levels that support community demand.

9. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REARSBY NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 9.1 Working in Partnership

Partnership working will be vital to the successful implementation of the principles contained in the Neighbourhood Plan. The organisations that the Parish Council recognises as key to the implementation of Neighbourhood Plan polices and aspirations include: • Charnwood Borough Council: planning policy, development management, housing, open spaces, recreation and community facilities • Leicestershire County Council: highways, education and social services • Leicester and Leicestershire Local Economic Partnership: economic development • Leicester Diocese: school facilities • Housing Associations and other local housing bodies: affordable housing • Local and village community-based organisations: Village Hall Committee; parochial Church Council; St Michael & all Angels School; St Michael & all Angels Church: other cultural and leisure groups in the parish. • Fisher German: management of local business premises; allotment management.

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9.2 Funding and Implementation Mechanisms

Funding that can be used towards implementing the Vision and Objectives of this Plan will be sought in line with Charnwood’s Core Strategy Policy CS24. This recognises that contributions to the reasonable costs of on-site, and where appropriate off-site, infrastructure will be sought from relevant planning applications via obligations secured by legal agreements prepared under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980, along with any future implementation of a Community Infrastructure Levy (in the event that Charnwood BC adopts the measure in the future). The Parish Council will also seek to influence other budget decisions by the Borough and County Councils on housing, open space and recreation, economic development, community facilities and transport. In addition, we will work with other organisations (including the Lottery, UK Government, and Local Economic Partnership funds) to obtain funding to help to achieve Neighbourhood Plan objectives.

9.3 Other mechanisms to implement development

The Parish Council working with appropriate partners, will consider initiatives that would be complementary to achieving Neighbourhood Plan objectives, including: Neighbourhood Development Orders; Community Right to Build applications; the designation of local assets as being of ‘Community Value’; Empty Homes Management Orders and community-led housing developments.

9.4 Priority Projects and considerations looking forward

The following list of infrastructure projects reflects local priorities identified in the series of community consultations undertaken throughout the formation of the Plan (see also the Consultation Statement submitted with the Plan):

• The provision of a local shop • Improved Broadband services across the village area • Community management of new ‘open space’ (such as the Conker Field) • Delivery and management of new affordable and community housing • Traffic monitoring and reduction initiatives • Consideration of local cycle paths and access paths to open countryside • Sustaining local bus provisions and routes The Parish Council intends to conduct a review of the operation of the Neighbourhood Plan on a rolling three-year basis, and publicise the results to the local community. Part of such a review will be to look at the guidelines of the Village Design Statement and to assess how the Neighbourhood Plan can help address long-term concerns.

23 SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 10. APPENDICES Appendix One - Supplementary Evidence and Information in Support of Plan Policies Appendix Two – Guidelines from ‘Rearsby Village Design Statement, 2002’

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APPENDIX ONE

STATEMENT OF SUPPLEMENTARY EVIDENCE AND INFORMATION IN SUPPORT OF PLAN POLICIES

At the heart of the NPPF and the Charnwood Core Strategy is a ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’. The latter makes clear the need for this key principle to be embraced by local communities and woven into local approaches to local planning: “We expect local communities to prepare Neighbourhood Plans if they wish to see small-scale development, where this meets an identified local housing or economic need that realises a genuine improvement in the services and facilities” (para 4.54)

It is proposed that the assessment of what activity and development could constitute ‘sustainable development’ and other ‘genuine improvements’ for the parish of Rearsby is achieved through a balanced implementation of the policies set down in the Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan (NP) for the period 2017-28. Supporting information to explain the coherence of each of the proposed NP policies follows below and has been provided in the following format: (a) indicative polices quoted from the Borough Council’s Local Plan Core Strategy 2011-28 (noted by their ‘CS’ numbers), to which NP policies will relate; (b) a note of what background and complementary studies prepared by the Borough Council, its partners, or other statutory stakeholders, have informed NP policies; (c) reminders on NP priorities and proposals from Rearsby residents and other local stakeholders, and views from consultation surveys; (d) detail of the rationale that has steered the shape of each NP policy.

POLICY R1 - AREA OF LOCAL SEPARATION The developed area of residential settlement at the core of the parish is recognised as close to the residential settlement in the adjacent parish of East Goscote, and there has been distinct concern of undue ‘coalescence’ between the two districts through development that is unsympathetic to these concerns. There has already been new development (approved following appeal) on the Goscote side of the boundary prior to the adoption of the Charnwood Local Plan Core Strategy in 2015. Evidence includes:- (a) CS1 (Development Strategy) notes the willingness for: “responding positively to development which contributes to local priorities as identified in Neighbourhood Plans”. (b) Policy CT/1 (General Principles for Areas of Countryside, Green Wedge and Local Separation) in the saved policies of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan; “Green Wedges, Urban Fringe Green Infrastructure Enhancement Zones and Areas of Local Separation”, 2016.

SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 25 (c) All public discussions and surveys since 2015 have maintained the village concern for secure sufficient distinction from neighbouring settlements. (d) The CBC methodology and study into reviewing the nature of ‘green wedges and local separation’ across the Borough, identified land on the East Goscote side of Rearsby village centre that should be classed as an ‘area of local separation’ (ALS). Rearsby residents have considered those conclusions but felt that a further degree of land needs to be included within the final ALS to provide a suitable and consistent distinction along boundary lines on land between the settlements of Rearsby and East Goscote. Policy R1, as shown on the Proposal Maps, depicts the enlarged ALS by an incorporation of the additional fields into the ALS highlighted by the dotted areas shown below that represent an area wide than proposals of the earlier CBC study.

The green line in the map denotes the final Extension to Settlement Limits1: P/16/0987/2, 61 proposed ALS on the NP Proposal Maps Station Road. New boundary follows the footprint of new properties.

POLICY R2 - SETTLEMENT LIMITS. The ‘Settlement Limits’ propose a limit to development around Rearsby village, the core of the parish. Evidence includes:- (a) CS1 (Development Strategy) sets out the settlement hierarchy for parishes of Rearsby’s size: “[to] meet the local social and economic need for development in ‘other settlements’ […*….] responding positively to small-scale opportunities within defined limits to development”. (b) “Process for the Identification of Settlement Limits Boundaries”, August /

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September 2016, within its “Green Wedges, Urban Fringe Green Infrastructure Enhancement Zones and Areas of Local Separation Methodology and Assessment Report”, 2016 (c) Responses to the 2017 Draft Neighbourhood Plan and its draft Proposal Maps gave strong support for the pictorial detail of the proposed policies. (d) Charnwood Borough Council set out the criteria for identifying the nature of proposed settlement boundaries in its 2016 reports (above|). This has been used to confirm the proposed boundaries of Rearsby’s settlement limits as detailed on the Neighbourhood Plan. These boundaries have been set to accord with the overall principle of tightly defining and enclosing the established built form of the village core by following distinctive features such as walls, watercourses, roads and hedgerows. All features of the previous settlement boundary line have been reviewed through methodical on-site and visual inspections. A complete circumference of the existing boundaries to actual and potential settlement limits around the core of the village was undertaken on 2 March 2017. Consideration of the features that has informed the conclusions for what to include within the overall settlement limits has also helped to inform the proposed policy on Exception Sites in the village area.

Included within the Settlement Limits In accordance with the criteria and evidence noted above, Rearsby’s settlement limits will include: i) the curtilages of existing buildings that provide a distinct edge between their built form and adjacent open countryside; ii) redevelopment of the Convent building on Station Road and the extension of development on one edge of its grounds (site 1 on the Proposal Map 2); iii) residential development along Melton Road by the side of the Village Hall (site 2 on the Proposal Map 2).

Extension to Settlement Limits1: Extension to Settlement Limits 2: P/16/0987/2, 61 Station Road. P/12/0458/2, Melton Road. New boundary follows the Boundary follows hedge-line footprint of new properties. around site of new properties.

SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 27 Excluded from Settlement Limits The settlement limits will exclude: iv) all playing fields and areas of ‘open space’ on the edges of the settlement; v) outlying buildings along both ends of Melton Road (i.e. along the northern edge of the road, close to East Goscote, and along its northern edge heading towards Melton, just before its junction with the village bypass); vi) the industrial areas and isolated residential premises along Gaddesby Lane; vii) the area of allotments and orchard growth on Melton Road; h) agricultural and farm premises along Gaddesby Lane.

POLICY R3 – HOUSING MIX It is expected that any new housing developments take account of local housing needs and the current mix of homes available in the parish area and identify the mix of homes required from future developments. Criteria and evidence used includes:- (a) CS3 (Strategic Housing Needs) states the requirement to provide: “an appropriate mix of types, tenures and sizes of homes, having regard to identified housing needs and the character of the area” …… supported by an understanding that “this will be done through master-planning for strategic sites, Neighbourhood Plans for our existing communities and by using evidence from the Strategic Housing Market Assessment, local housing needs surveys and household projections”.

(b) The ‘Leicester and Leicestershire Housing and Economic Needs Assessment’, January 2017, accompanied by the Leicester & Leicestershire Authorities Joint Statement of Co-operation Relating to Objectively Assessed Need for Housing; Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), CBC, March 2017; Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment Methodology Paper, August 2016; Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) Report, October 2016, (undertaken again in June 2017); “Land West of Melton Road”, Jelson Homes, December 2016. (c) Village surveys have consistently voiced concern over speculative housing proposals that conflict with the nature of the village size and dynamics. Aspirations have been lodged for some forms of small-scale ‘community-led’ development. (d) The 2016 desk-top SHLAA exercise identified a possible five sites in Rearsby, 7.1 hectares in total, that might provide up to 213 units over the next 15 years. Such initial speculative ideas about future residential buildings would represent a 50% increase in the village size and clearly incorporates a level of need that cannot be found in the village at present. In order to provide a counter to the village being on the receiving end of unwanted speculative proposals, the wording of R3 has focused on future provision needing a good understanding of the real level of ‘housing need’ that may exist at that time in the parish. The anecdotal nature of local provision that has already been identified by local residents - smaller and affordable homes, especially for young families, young people and for older people

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– will be rigorously examined in the Autumn 2017 through the implementation of an objective needs survey. This will be conducted by a local agency recognised to be experienced in rural analysis.

POLICY R4 - EXCEPTION SITES The use of ‘exception site’ policy is a tried and valued mechanism to increase rural affordable homes on small sites outside acknowledged local settlement limits.

Evidence includes:- a) CS3 (Strategic Housing Needs) states the readiness for: “working with our partners to deliver small-scale rural exceptions sites in accordance with Policy CS1 that meet an identified local need”. (b) ‘Leicester and Leicestershire Housing and Economic Needs Assessment’, January 2017; Housing Supplementary Planning Document, CBC, March 2017. (c) Small-scale housing provision and down-sizing of homes has been recognised as a village priority. The first proposed ‘exception’ site on the Proposal Map received very positive support, with the exception of one comment raising concerns about how any new design needs to support the principles of the Conservation Area. (d) First considerations of sites suitable for use via an ‘exception site’ clause sought to identify potential places for a few properties that would be close to the village core and its amenities, and close to existing transport routes. The site indicated on the Proposal Map (shown below) fits these criteria. Discussion with the land-owner for its use for local and affordable housing has received an initial positive response - the owner is already involved in supporting similar land use in another village area. Initial funding could already be available from a Section 106 agreement in the village, however it is recognised that an element of development receipt at ‘market’ housing levels on such a site could be key to making such a scheme completely viable.

Spatial dimensions of the proposed site accord with existing boundary hedges.

SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 29 POLICY R5A – PROTECTION OF EXISTING COMMERCIAL PREMISES OR LAND IN THE EMPLOYMENT ZONE and POLICY R5B – NEW COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE EMPLOYMENT AREA It is recognised that the parish hosts some significant employment opportunities for residents from Rearsby and adjoining areas, which need to be sustained if the NP’s Vision “to be a parish with a vibrant local economy” is to be achieved. Evidence includes:- (a) CS6 (Employment and Economic Development) and CS10 (Rural Economic Development) include priorities for: “providing opportunities for small-scale, high quality business units and offices […… and.] the sustainable growth and expansion of businesses in rural areas, both through conversion of existing buildings and well-designed new buildings”. (b) Charnwood Borough Council’s Employment Land Review, November 2014. (c) The 2016 NP Household Survey identified employment opportunities alongside residential opportunities as key to the village future. (d) The Neighbourhood Plan has sought to build on the brief mention of employment and economic developments in a settlement ‘like Rearsby’ by recognizing the important role that is undertaken by the business and office parks along Gaddesby Road. Meeting with site personnel and key stakeholders on-site here has confirmed the readiness to highlight the area’s role for providing commercial and employment opportunities It also noted that the existing sites have space within their boundaries that can accommodate expansion. Identifying the zonal boundaries here is seen as a strong means of protecting the commercial premises to sustain their role.

The proposed boundary of the Zone follows the boundaries of the two existing sites on either side of Gaddesby Lane.

POLICY R6 – PROTECTION OF OPEN SPACES ‘Open Space’ in the Neighbourhood Plan refers to those areas to which the general public have unrestricted access, although there is a clear overlap with the natural and environmental features of such areas.

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Evidence includes:- (a) CS11 (Landscape and Countryside) notes: “addressing the identified needs in open space provision; [and] retains and creates green networks between the countryside and open spaces within the urban areas”.

Policy CS15 (Open Spaces Sports and Recreation) recommends: “responding positively to development which contributes to open space, sport and recreation provision, including Local Green Space”. (b) Policy CT/2 Development in the Countryside (retained policies of Local Plan); CBC Open Spaces Strategy 2013 – 2028; CBC Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report, January 2017; Review of Open Space, Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities and Playing Pitches, Parish and Town Council Survey, 2017; Amenity Green Space, 2010.

(c) The Rearsby Household Survey May-June 2016 showed that 80% of residents who took part considered that creating more ‘open and green’ space was a priority and 95% thought that ‘upholding the character of the village’ was important. (d) A further review of Open Spaces in the Borough is under way, and preliminary views on provision in Rearsby are that there are only very modest areas of land that are fully open to ‘public access’ (notwithstanding the public footpaths through the parish). The 2017 draft Neighbourhood Plan denoted what areas might be highlighted as ‘existing open space’, especially in the ancient core of the village area and along Brookside. Feedback from the Borough Council rightly challenged the consideration of private land with an acknowledged ‘green’ character as suitable for a formal ‘open space’ designation, so policy R6 has sought to clarify what sites can be appropriately considered ‘Open Space’ as distinct from the green or ‘natural’ space in R7.

POLICY R7 – PROTECTION OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT The Vision for Rearsby, incorporated within the Neighbourhood plan is to “be a parish with a thriving natural environment and sustainable habitats”. This requires clear identification of what the existing ‘natural’ characteristics and places contain. Evidence includes:- (a) CS11 (Landscape and Countryside) and CS12 (Green Infrastructure): ”reinforce [a] sense of place and local distinctiveness by taking account of relevant local Landscape Character Assessments […] supporting development in Green Wedges that retains the open and undeveloped character of the Green Wedge”; CS13 (Biodiversity and Geodiversity) seeks to: “conserve and enhance our natural environment for its own value and the contribution it makes to our community and economy”.

SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 31 CS16 (Sustainable Construction and Energy) complements the above by: “encouraging the effective use of land by reusing land that has been previously developed, provided that it is not of high environmental value”; …. (b) The Charnwood Landscape Character Assessment 2012; CBC Habitat Report, 2012; Charnwood Strategic Flood Risk Update 2014; Green Wedges, Urban Fringe Green Infrastructure Enhancement Zones and Areas of Local Separation Report’, March 2016; Charnwood Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report, January 2017; Review of Open Space, Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities and Playing Pitches, Parish and Town Council Survey, 2017. (c) The 2016 NP village surveys had a consistent priority for protecting the village The same land with new diagonal hatching identity in its natural character. Landowners also expressed a strong concern to in the Proposal Maps to denote it as an retain good quality agricultural land. ‘area of protected natural environment’. (d) Responses to feedback received on the 2017 Draft Neighbourhood Plan has helped clarify which sites can be appropriately considered ‘Open Space’ within policy R6, as distinct from other the biodiverse areas of other green or ‘natural’ spaces.

Area in red at Brookside has been subsequently identified as not open to public use.

Current work by CBC to identify ‘open space’ in the village will require amendment in that the ‘paddocks’ along Brookside - a very green and natural area of land – are not accessible to the public. Village residents have nevertheless still wished to protect the natural biodiversity found in this part of the ancient core of the village, so policy R7 now identifies this area as a site of ‘natural environment’ to be protected.

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CS16 (Sustainable Construction and Energy) complements the above by: “encouraging the effective use of land by reusing land that has been previously developed, provided that it is not of high environmental value”; …. (b) The Charnwood Landscape Character Assessment 2012; CBC Habitat Report, 2012; Charnwood Strategic Flood Risk Update 2014; Green Wedges, Urban Fringe Green Infrastructure Enhancement Zones and Areas of Local Separation Report’, March 2016; Charnwood Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report, January 2017; Review of Open Space, Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities and Playing Pitches, Parish and Town Council Survey, 2017. (c) The 2016 NP village surveys had a consistent priority for protecting the village The same land with new diagonal hatching identity in its natural character. Landowners also expressed a strong concern to in the Proposal Maps to denote it as an retain good quality agricultural land. ‘area of protected natural environment’. (d) Responses to feedback received on the 2017 Draft Neighbourhood Plan has helped clarify which sites can be appropriately considered ‘Open Space’ within POLICY R8 – PROTECTION OF LOCAL COMMUNITY AMENITIES policy R6, as distinct from other the biodiverse areas of other green or ‘natural’ spaces. The Neighbourhood Plan has listed the community amenities that currently exist within the parish, and has noted where activity in the village has been under way to secure other amenities for community benefit in the future. Evidence includes: (a) CS 11 (Landscape and Countryside) and CS 15 (Open Spaces, Sports and Recreation) support the provision of community services and facilities and other development which contributes to open space, sport and recreation provision, including Local Green Space: “that meet proven local needs as identified by a Neighbourhood Plan or other community-led plan [and] securing long-term management and investment plans for existing, and new facilities”. (b) Update on Charnwood Services & Facilities by Settlement, August / September 2016; Strategic Objectives, Charnwood Sustainable Community Strategy, 2008 (c) Public meetings and discussions at the Parish Council on the planning application to convert the Convent site in Station Road have focused attention on how the community has enough control over local amenities it has not directly owned. (d) A list of local community amenities has been provided in R8 and recreational Current work by CBC to identify ‘open space’ in the village will require amendment facilities located on the Proposal Maps. The impending acquisition of amenity in that the ‘paddocks’ along Brookside - a very green and natural area of land – are places that will be newly controlled by the village community – such as the Conker not accessible to the public. Village residents have nevertheless still wished to Field, as noted in the report and discussions of CBC Planning Committee, 1 August protect the natural biodiversity found in this part of the ancient core of the village, 2017 - has also been depicted. Other mechanisms to safeguard local amenities as so policy R7 now identifies this area as a site of ‘natural environment’ to be ‘community assets’ have been described in the general NP text. protected.

SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 33 POLICY R9A – CONSERVATION AREA and POLICY R9B – HERITAGE ASSETS At the centre of the oldest elements of the village is an area already given Conservation Area status.

Map of Rearsby Conservation Area (in brown outline on Proposal Maps)

Further evidence for the policies includes:- (a) CS14 (Heritage) ……… “conserve and enhance our historic assets for their own value […….] requiring development proposals to protect heritage assets and their setting […….] working with our partners to prepare Conservation Area Character Statements, Landscape Character Assessments and Village Design Statements”. CS2 (High Quality Design) also notes how proposals for new or adapted buildings: “should respond positively to their context and reinforce a sense of place”. (b) Rearsby Conservation Area Appraisal (July 2010); Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act) 1990 (c) Responses to the 2017 Draft Neighbourhood Plan circulated to all households clearly endorsed the commitment to incorporate the 2002 Rearsby Village Design Statement and a list of local ‘heritage assets’ into the new Neighbourhood Plan. (d) In the preparation of the Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan, residents were mindful that the well-respected aspirations of the Village Design Statement 2002 had not

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been sufficiently forceful to date but that the new Plan could provide the opportunity to give them added weight in considerations to be given to future kinds of development. Policies R9A and R9B have therefore both included clear reference to how future development needs to be mindful of the Guidance set out in the 2002 principles : a summary of the Guidance has also been incorporated in the NP in its Appendices.

POLICY R10 – TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENTS The recent report to Planning Committee (P/15/0482/2) that set out grounds for refusal of a large-scale housing proposal, noted the Highway Authority’s views that vehicle speeds in parts of the parish are too high and are in need of ‘careful reduction’. Evidence includes:- (a) Both CS17 (Sustainable Travel) and CS18 (The Local and Strategic Road Network) note the need to: “secure funding for and delivery of sustainable transport improvements [….] and to “maximise the efficiency of the local and strategic road network by 2028 […..] by delivering sustainable travel improvements in accordance with policy CS17”. (b) Policy TR/6 - Traffic Generation from New Development, in the saved policies of the Charnwood Local Plan; Setting Strategic Direction - Stage 2 Emerging Development Strategy; 2013. (c) The 2016 NP Household Survey showed a strong majority of the replies that expressed high concern about vehicles speeding in the village, and who wish to see if overall traffic flows can be reduced. Other concern has been received from Thrussington Parish about heavy vehicles passing over the Wreake and straining the weight limit to Thrussington Bridge (d) In the discussions to finalise the Neighbourhood Plan it was recognised that community concerns about traffic movement and speed may be difficult to turn into precise ‘planning’ prescriptions for all future development. To this end R10 makes broad suggestions for maintaining public transport provision and that some scheme for traffic calming is produced, notwithstanding that there is some uncertainty over the form that such traffic calming might take.

35 SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 APPENDIX TWO

GUIDELINES FROM ‘REARSBY VILLAGE STATEMENT, 2002’ The Village Landscape

Developers should avoid infill business and residential development between the existing village boundaries and the projected Rearsby bypass in line with the current Local Plan. 1. Charnwood Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council, in consultation with farmers and householders, should consider appropriate additional screening such as tree planting on either side of Gaddesby Lane to shield the village from the noise and visual side affects of the proposed Rearsby bypass. Screening could also include the industrial development on Gaddesby Lane. 2. Leicestershire County Council should ensure by effective planning, monitoring and control that any extraction of minerals from Brooksby does not pollute the Rearsby Brook or exacerbate the problem of flooding in the village. 3. Trees, hedgerows, ponds and ditches provide an important draining function for the village, and our landowners and farmers should, by appropriate field management, maintain and/or restore them. 4. Developers, farmers, landowners and utility providers should consider the impact on the landscape of new constructions such as buildings and masts which may adversely impact on views in and out of the village, particularly on the north side between Rearsby and Thrussington. They should avoid such constructions or use appropriate materials and careful design, siting, and landscaping techniques. 5. Developers and householders should avoid large-scale development at the boundaries of the village which adversely affect the rural aspect of the four main approaches as seen from within and without. Where development is considered necessary, they should give full consideration to appropriate design, siting, roofscaping and landscaping techniques to assimilate the change. 6. The Parish Council should encourage farmers and landowners to consider the planting of indigenous species of trees in the village landscape to replace those lost in recent times. This could also include trees within hedgerows to enhance biodiversity. Ash, elm, pedunculate oak, willow and yew are our local indigenous woody species. 7. The village allotments off Melton Road are a valuable amenity for villagers and should be preserved in line with Local Plan Policy RT/12. 8. The Parish Council should ascertain the status of the two ridge and furrow sites off Station Road – one near the level crossing and the other at Conker Field – and decide if and by what means they can be protected.

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The Settlement Pattern

9. Developers should note that the historic centre of the village including the areas bounded by parts of Melton Road, Mill Road, Brook Street, Brookside and Church Lane define the settlement pattern and should not be altered by inappropriate development affecting traditional spaces, shapes, and styles.

Spaces

10. Developers, landowners and builders should note the importance of space in our village, and not make changes which affect the spatial characteristics of Rearsby adversely. This includes the restricted spaces appropriate to the terraced cottage environment on Brook Street, Church Lane and Melton Road, and the open green spaces around the brook. The nature of these spaces includes the spaces between buildings and the spaces provided by roads and footpaths. 11. Developers, landowners and builders should not develop the village park or playing fields as they are valuable amenities as well as important open areas.

The Natural Environment

12. The Parish Council should identify objectives and targets for tree, hedgerow, grassland, ditch, pond and wildlife management to assist and complement the Charnwood Biodiversity Action Plan. 13. The village tree warden – with support from the villagers and Parish Council – should identify sites which are priorities for tree planting and implement an appropriate tree planting programme. ‘Appropriate’ should relate to species of planting including local indigenous species, geological considerations, and the impact on other parts of the natural environment. 14. Landowners and farmers should be encouraged by Charnwood Borough/Parish Council to address the poor state of some of our hedgerows such as those on the Melton Road towards East Goscote and those at the bottom of Station Road near Brookside. They should be repaired appropriately to replace lost previous growth or cover gaps, and left to grow to a reasonable height where possible – 1.8 metres or higher, or 1.5 metres where shading and visibility are key factors. They should be trimmed on a three-year rotation system unless road safety is an issue, and managed in a way that encourages wildlife. 15. Landowners, farmers and householders should help to preserve and manage Rearsby’s semi-wild and wildlife habitats such as spinneys and Conker Field. 16. Landowners and farmers should help to preserve and manage semi-wild grassland such as in the Bog Lane area, and prevent their development. 17. Landowners and householders should consider planting flowers in appropriate areas such as along the main road. Flowers should be appropriate in terms of location, local provenance and their effects on biodiversity. 18. The Parish Council should inform farmers and landowners about grants for preserving local wildlife habitats and grants for hedgerow management.

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19. Developers and builders should consider the importance of red brick in new developments as it most of all reflects Rearsby’s building heritage, whilst not precluding other materials such as blue brick, traditional render and rubblestone. 20. Developers, farmers, householders and builders should prioritise reusing existing building materials to maintain continuity with the past because they are sustainable and because they preserve local distinctiveness. 21. Developers, farmers, householders and builders should, where appropriate, utilise traditional roofing materials in redevelopment such as Swithland slate, Welsh slate, and clay pantile.

Architecture & Style

22. Those responsible for new commercial or residential buildings, alterations and renovations should take into account the importance of the following stylistic features in Rearsby buildings: - steep pitching of roofs - imposing chimneys in different shapes and sizes - variety in gable ends and windows - sawtooth and chequered brick patternwork waist high and under eaves - high red brick walls with varying types of coping. 23. Architecture should reasonably reflect the shapes, sizes, patterns, layouts and colours of adjoining buildings. Pointing should reflect original style, thickness and material. 24. Building architects and designers should be encouraged to provide detailed statements and drawings of how their development integrates with its surroundings. 25. Planners should note that large developments and estates in a uniform ‘modern style’ are inappropriate for Rearsby as they clash with our distinctive but varied architectural and stylistic heritage. They are also inappropriate for the scale of our village and its relationship with its environment. 26. Building architects and designers should note that any affordable housing – where a need is identified by the village – should not mean design which is inappropriate to our rural setting. 27. Villagers should be amenable to innovative building design and practice where this is sympathetic to existing buildings and is responsible.

Conservation

28. Farmers should preserve and creatively reuse old farm buildings, encouraging good design and careful siting of any new agricultural buildings.

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29. The Parish Council should bring to the attention of the Borough Council any buildings or structures they think should be listed to protect them from destruction, dilapidation, or unsympathetic development or alteration. They could encourage the Borough Council to carry out a ‘buildings at risk’ survey to ensure repair and preservation. 30. The Parish Council should bring to the attention of the Borough Council the condition of: - the mud wall at Manor Farm and along the Rearsby Mill path - the old farm buildings on the Melton Road opposite the Wheel and the old barn near the school on Brookside - the two-arched brick bridge over the brook in the allotments - the brick/granite rubble wall at the top of Brook Street. 31. All these structures are becoming dilapidated and are in need of repair. 32. Developers, householders and builders should aim to preserve our distinctive brick walls with their traditional coping such as the one surrounding Brook House Close. 33. The Parish Council should identify the type and level of funding available for heritage projects under the Local Heritage initiative. This could include the development of a Village Trail. Additional funding could be found under Vital Villages once a Parish Plan is developed.

Roads

34. Leicestershire County Council should give due attention to traffic calming measures on the Melton Road which have a rural character once the bypass is in place – rather than just using traditional traffic calming more appropriate to an urban setting. 35. Developers, farmers, landowners and householders should ensure that the leafy approaches to Rearsby from Gaddesby, East Goscote, Thrussington and Brooksby are preserved and enhanced. This should include appropriate repair of hedgerows and planting of trees. 36. Householders should maintain the open-fronted aspects of their gardens which border roads and their grass verges 37. The County Highways Authority should pay more attention to village character and appearance in road design. They should discourage as far as possible the use of urban style materials inappropriate to a rural setting.

Paths

38. Everyone should respect legal rights of way. Farmers should not plough across designated footpaths or go right up to the hedge where a footpath exists. This includes the Leicestershire Round across the railway line towards Thrussington Mill.

39 SUBMISSION VERSION JULY 2017 39. The Leicestershire Round must be maintained and protected as an asset for everyone in Leicestershire. 40. Manor Farm, the Pochin Estate, the Parish Council and other interested parties should discuss the issue of Bog Lane with a view to maintaining it as a traditional village walkway, preventing development there, and restoring it. Restoration could include the reinstatement of the footbridge over the brook. 41. Leicestershire County Council should preserve paths, stiles and kissing gates and keep them in a state of good repair.

Street furniture

42. The Parish Council should draw up a style statement for street furniture and utilities, in consultation with Charnwood Borough Council, to encourage a style which is appropriate to our village setting. This to include bus stops, bus shelters, lampposts, street signs, utility sub-stations, telegraph poles, telephone boxes, traffic signs. 43. The Parish Council, as part of their style statement, should favour a colour scheme for street furniture and utilities which is appropriate to a rural setting such as black or green. 44. The Parish Council should encourage Leicestershire County Council to provide street lighting which avoids glare and faces downwards. 45. The Parish Council should ensure railings are not of the concrete and scaffolding type. They should encourage Leicestershire County Council and English Heritage to provide the type of railings that are conducive to a rural setting such as the black iron railings bordering the bridge. They should try to get the railings along Brookside replaced with more appropriate ones. 46. The Parish Council should encourage the County Highways Authority to replace the footbridge railings at the junction of Station Road and Brookside with some that are more appropriate to their setting. 47. The Parish Council should ensure noticeboards are wooden and maintained in a state of good repair. 48. The Parish Council should provide more wooden benches in appropriate locations such as the park and the football field.

Utilities

49. The Parish Council, as part of their style document, should try to ensure utility providers camouflage unsightly gas and electrical sub-stations, place unsightly cables underground (where feasible), and make sewer pipes and vents unobtrusive.

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Extract from Rearsby Village Design Statement 2002

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