Pytchley Parish Council
Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan
2018 – 2031 Pre-Submission Version
May 2018 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
Foreword
The attached Neighbourhood Plan is an important document that affects all members of the community of Pytchley. It provides the village with a document that outlines the requirements for future development within the village during the next 30 years with regard to planning and land use.
The development of a Neighbourhood Plan by local communities became possible with the introduction of The Localism Act 2011, which gives new rights and powers to communities and individuals. It specifically allows local communities to develop and adopt Neighbourhood Plans, which will become a statutory part of the development plan.
In 2016, the Pytchley Parish Council committed to setting up a working group - the Pytchley Neighbourhood Plan Working Group - to develop the plan in accordance with the legal requirements and with the consultation of the local community. Alan Lodge was appointed the working group leader and four members volunteered to assist him, three members from the Parish Council and one member co-opted from the community. The working group remit was to produce a written plan ensuring that all the legislative procedures are adhered to and that the wishes of the community are taken into consideration. The Parish Council would be fully informed and would approve all stages of the plans development.
So, what is a Neighbourhood Plan? As stated before, it is a document that defines any issues dealing with ‘Land Development’. In other words, it will only address issues that would normally be passed to the Local Council Planning Department. Included would be: building development, extensions, change of use, protection of Listed Buildings, ensuring the conservation area is not compromised etc. It does not address directly issues such as speeding through the village, vehicle parking, etc unless these issues are part of planning issues. The ultimate result of the Plan is to define a set of ‘Planning Policies’. These policies will be form part of the criteria when reviewing any local planning applications.
Many of you may remember the questionnaire that was given to every member of the village in 2003, and subsequently updated in 2012, in order to produce a ‘Parish Plan’. The work that was put in to producing the plan and its subsequent update resulted in a very comprehensive picture of the village and its infrastructure. We have been fortunate in so much as we were able to use many of the findings from these two documents as a basis for going forward in the production of the Neighbourhood Plan.
Since then, the Working Group organised an ‘Open Day’ on Saturday 14th May 2016 to introduce the concept of the Neighbourhood Plan and to provide the village with an opportunity to be updated with developments. It was also an opportunity to provide an open platform for consultation. And as such, this Open Day was a great success with more than 60 members of the community attending. There was great interest shown and some excellent feed-back was received, for which the working group is very
Page 2 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission grateful. A great vote of thanks to all those who not only provided feedback on the day, but also to all those who diligently completed the earlier questionnaires.
On the following pages you will find a report that, in terms of land planning, incorporates your thoughts and wishes, and a series of planning policies relevant for the next 13 years of the village development. This report is at the pre-submission stage, indicating that it is ready for official examination by Kettering Borough Council.
The Parish Council and the Working Group hope that you find this document of interest. Please read through the various sections and if you have any queries/ comments (positive or negative) please direct them to Alan Lodge or any member of the Parish Council or any member of the Working Group. You may also use the email address: [email protected]
Signed on behalf of the Pytchley Parish Council
Alan Lodge (WG leader)
Julie Jelley, Richard Elias, Pat Hobson, Steve Booker (WG members)
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Contents 1. Introduction ...... 6 1.1. What is a Neighbourhood Plan ...... 6 1.1.1.Why does Pytchley need a Neighbourhood Plan ...... 7 1.2. Plan of designated neighbourhood area...... 10 1.3. Local Planning Authority ...... 10 1.4. Route Map ...... 11 2. The Neighbourhood Area ...... 13 2.1. Pytchley Village - a brief description...... 13 2.2. Facilities ...... 15 2.3. Housing 16 2.4. Employment ...... 16 2.5. Renewable Energy ...... 16 2.6. Communications ...... 17 2.6.1.Road system 17 2.6.2.Footpaths 17 2.6.3.Broadband Internet ...... 19 2.6.4.Mobile Phone Reception ...... 19 3. Key Issues ...... 20 3.1. Background ...... 20 3.2. Main Planning Issues ...... 20 3.2.1.Housing 20 3.2.2.Commercial Development ...... 21 3.2.3.Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation ...... 21 3.2.4.Sustainability ...... 21 3.2.5.Renewable Energy ...... 21 3.2.6.Facilities 22 3.3. Main non-Planning Issues ...... 22 3.3.1.Roadways 22 3.3.2.Parking 22 3.3.3.Litter 23 3.3.4.Dog mess 23 3.3.5.Playground Equipment ...... 23 4. Vision and Objectives ...... 24 4.1. Vision 24 4.2. Objectives ...... 25 5. The Planning Policies ...... 26 5.1. Policy Location Map ...... 27 5.2. Policy: PP01 Pytchley Settlement Boundary ...... 28 5.2.1.Policy PP01 28 Policy: PP02 Housing Site Allocation ...... 28 5.2.2.Policy PP02 29 5.3. Policy: PP03 Commercial Land and Buildings within the Settlement Boundary 30 5.3.1.Policy PP03 30 5.4. Policy: PP04 Commercial Land and Buildings throughout the Parish ...... 31 5.4.1.Policy PP04 31 5.4.2.Policy: PP05 Community Facilities ...... 32 Page 4 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
5.4.3.Policy PP05 32 Policy: PP06 Design In The Conservation Area ...... 34 5.4.4.Policy PP06 34 5.4.5.Policy: PP07 Development outside the Settlement Boundary ...... 35 5.4.6.Policy PP07 35 5.4.7.Policy: PP08 Views Into And Out Of The Conservation Area ...... 36 5.4.8.Policy PP08 36 5.5. Village Listed Buildings...... 37 5.6. Policy: PP09 Listed Buildings ...... 39 5.6.1.Policy PP09 39 5.7. Policy: PP10 Traffic And Car Parking ...... 40 5.7.1.Policy PP10 40 5.8. Policy: PP11 Green Infrastructure And Biodiversity ...... 41 5.8.1.Policy PP11 41 5.9. Policy: PP12 Local Green Spaces ...... 42 5.9.1.Policy PP12 42 6. Appendices...... 43 6.1. Abbreviations...... 43 6.2. References...... 43 List of Maps Figure 1 Map of Settlement Area ...... 9 Figure 2 Map of rights of way ...... 18 Figure 3 Map of Policy Locations ...... 27 Figure 4 Map of Conservation Area ...... 33 Figure 5 Map of Listed Buildings ...... 37
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1. Introduction
1.1. What is a Neighbourhood Plan
A Neighbourhood Plan is an opportunity for local people to create a framework for delivering a sustainable future for the benefit of all who live, work or visit the area.
Within the document will be a series of ‘planning policies’ based on firm evidence and these policies will be the defining principle when reviewing planning applications.
The Localism Act 2011 established the right for communities to prepare Neighbourhood Plans and the rules governing their preparation were published in 2012. The government document ‘National Planning Policy Framework’ sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. An extract from this document states:
Neighbourhood plans 183. Neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and deliver the sustainable development they need. Parishes and neighbourhood forums can use neighbourhood planning to:
Set planning policies through neighbourhood plans to determine decisions on planning applications; and Grant planning permission through Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders for specific development which complies with the order. 184. Neighbourhood planning provides a powerful set of tools for local people to ensure that they get the right types of development for their community. The ambition of the neighbourhood should be aligned with the strategic needs and priorities of the wider local area. Neighbourhood plans must be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the Local Plan. To facilitate this, local planning authorities should set out clearly their strategic policies for the area and ensure that an up-to-date Local Plan is in place as quickly as possible. Neighbourhood plans should reflect these policies and neighbourhoods should plan positively to support them. Neighbourhood plans and orders should not promote less development than set out in the Local Plan or undermine its strategic policies. (Extract from National Planning Policy Framework - www.gov.uk)
The Localism Act and the Policy Framework ensure that our community gets the right level of development and sets planning policies that ensures that any planning applications are consistent with the Local Development Plan (LDP) for the village of Pytchley. The Neighbourhood Plan is part of the LDP and therefore has statutory status; this makes it far more relevant than the previously developed Parish Plans, although many of the decisions are based on the findings of these. The main body of this document has been formatted to facilitate understanding, the Planning Policies themselves have been written in a more formal manner to ensure they are not misunderstood or misinterpreted.
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A Neighbourhood Plan is not purely a wish list put together by a small group of people but is a document compiled on behalf of the community and stakeholders and the planning policies are seen to be justified by robust statistics and comments within the Neighbourhood Plan.
1.1.1.Why does Pytchley need a Neighbourhood Plan
The Parish Council feels that a Neighbourhood Plan is an opportunity, under the umbrella of the Localism Act, to take great control of the future development of the village, and to ensure that major planning decisions are taken locally and in the best interests of the community.
The guiding principle of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is that of sustainable development. That is not to say that the village of Pytchley shall expand to an unrecognisable entity, but that to ensure the community does not stagnate, any development shall be in a controlled way so that the underlying ‘spirit’ of the village is not lost.
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The NPPF explains sustainable development thus:
7. There are three dimensions to sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. These dimensions give rise to the need for the planning system to perform a number of roles:
An economic role – contributing to building a strong, responsive and competitive economy, by ensuring that sufficient land of the right type is available in the right places and at the right time to support growth and innovation; and by identifying and coordinating development requirements, including the provision of infrastructure; A social role – supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by providing the supply of housing required to meet the needs of present and future generations; and by creating a high quality built environment, with accessible local services, including public transport, that reflect the community’s needs and support its health, social and cultural well-being; and An environmental role – contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment; and, as part of this, helping to improve biodiversity, use natural resources prudently, minimise waste and pollution, and mitigate and adapt to climate change including moving to a low carbon economy.
The Plan has been developed in accordance with these guidelines and mindful of the NPPF principle of ‘a presumption in favour of sustainable development’.
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Figure 1 Map of Settlement Area
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1.2. Plan of designated neighbourhood area.
This map indicates the limit of housing development applied to the village Neighbourhood Plan. This is considered the ‘heart’ of the village. This Settlement Boundary was agreed and passed by Kettering Borough Council (KBC) in December 2016.
1.3. Local Planning Authority Pytchley Parish Council as a “qualifying body” registered the full extent of the administrative parish of Pytchley as the neighbourhood area for the purposes of developing a Neighbourhood Plan. The Parish Council informed KBC that it wished to register to produce a Neighbourhood Plan in May 2015. The Parish Council then formally applied for the area to be registered in October 2015.
The Plan period is designated as 2018 - 2031. The start date is the year that the plan will be ‘made’ (accepted) and the finish date aligns with the finish date of the North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy. This version of the Neighbourhood Plan is designated ‘Submission’ indicating that this Plan that has been reviewed by an independent consultant and also by the Parish Council. The Plan will then be put to the community prior to its submission to the KBC.
The North Northamptonshire Joint Committee adopted the North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy (NNJCS) on 14th July 2016. The NNJCS is now formally part of the Development Plan for North Northamptonshire and supersedes the 2008 Core Spatial Strategy (CSS) in its entirety and also the saved Local Plans policies listed at Appendix 3 of the Plan. The CSS plan can be accessed on the KBC website. The North Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit can be contacted by post, email, or telephone:
North Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit c/o East Northamptonshire Council Cedar Drive Thrapston Northamptonshire NN14 4LZ Tel 01832 742355 Email [email protected]
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1.4. Route Map
The production of a Neighbourhood Plan requires certain stages to be completed in a specific order - the following lists indicates each stage
GETTING STARTED
Clarify if a plan is needed Publicise the intention to produce a plan and contact key local partners Speak to the Local Planning Authority
NEIGHBOURHOOD AREA
Consult on and determine neighbourhood area Submit Neighbourhood Area application to the Local Planning Authority Decision on Neighbourhood Area by Local Planning Authority
NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM
Set up and promote Neighbourhood Forum Develop a forum constitution (RTPI have produced a constitution template) Submit forum proposal to Local Planning Authority Decision on Neighbourhood Forum by Local Planning Authority For parish councils- establish a steering group (if necessary) and associated terms of reference
EARLY STAGE PLAN DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Initial meetings/discussions with Local Planning Authority to identify scope of their support to the neighbourhood plan group (i.e. establishing remit of duty to support) Develop a community engagement strategy Engagement Establish plan scope and formulate draft vision and objectives
BUILDING THE EVIDENCE BASE
Meetings/discussions with Local Planning Authority on types of evidence already available and where this can be accessed or contact details of agencies who hold the data. Review existing evidence and Identify and develop further evidence required (either because there is no existing up to date evidence or because the data is only available at a much larger geographic level than the local neighbourhood). Meetings/discussions with Local Planning Authority to discuss whether Strategic Environmental Assessment or Habitats Regulation Assessments are required for the plan.
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Further develop and refine the issues, vision, aims and objectives as result of the ongoing engagement programme and evidence gathering. Translate the vision and aims in to policies and proposals. Check that your neighbourhood plan policies are in general conformity with the strategic policies in the local plan and the National Planning Policy Framework. If not in conformity with the strategic policies in the local plan arrange a meeting to discuss with your local planning authority. If Strategic Environmental Assessment is required- production of associated environmental report (this should be consulted on during the pre-submission consultation of the draft plan). This may need to be updated at a later date if there are substantial changes to the content of the draft plan. Update draft plan if required following the outcomes of the strategic environmental assessment.
PRE-SUBMISSION CONSULTATION, MODIFICATIONS & PREPARING THE PLAN FOR SUBMISSION TO LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY
Pre-submission consultation Consider responses to consultation Make relevant amendments to plan as a result of pre-submission consultation Prepare basic conditions statement Prepare consultation statement Submit plan and associated documents required to the Local Planning Authority
INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION
Meet with Local Planning Authority to discuss appointment of examiner and timescales for referendum Regulation 16 consultation (minimum 6 weeks and led by the Local Planning Authority) Examination Examiners report published Meetings/discussions with Local Planning Authority on the suggested recommendations and modifications to the plan (if any) within the examiner’s report and next steps
REFERENDUM
Publication of pre-Referendum information and documents Referendum Publication of Referendum decision
Neighbourhood plan is ‘made’
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2. The Neighbourhood Area
2.1. Pytchley Village - a brief description.
Pytchley Village is a small community located some 3 miles south-west of the centre of Kettering, Northamptonshire and consists of approximately 280 dwellings housing approximately 500 residents. There has been a settlement here for many centuries and is, in fact, mentioned in the Domesday Book.
It is located on gently rising ground going south and affords wide reaching views towards Kettering and beyond in the North, Burton Latimer in the East, Broughton and Rothwell in the Northwest. It is encompassed by open countryside consisting mainly of farmland - arable and livestock - with small woodland or copse areas sparsely located around the area. The nearest villages are Orlingbury (1 mile south), Broughton (1 mile west), and Isham (1 mile east).
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The village is essentially rural in nature and has three working farms within the village boundary. There are three further farms immediately outside of the village but still within the parish. There is also a Golf course/driving range within the parish.
The centre of the village is a conservation area ( see Figure 4 Map of Conservation Area) and within this area are some fine grade II listed buildings including large stone- built houses and smaller thatched-roofed cottages. All Saints Church is located almost in the centre of the village and the Overstone Arms Public House is adjacent to the main crossroads. There is a Primary School located originally in the High Street extended into Butchers Lane.
Open spaces within the village are limited to the recreation ground, a protected area in Butchers Lane, and an area allocated for development to the north of the village in Isham Road.
There is a long-established motor coach operator just outside of the village on the Isham Road and a farm machinery repair/servicing operation further along the Isham Road towards the A14.
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The A14 trunk road is seen by the community as a natural barrier between the tranquillity of the village and the urban nature of the Kettering east expansion.
2.2. Facilities
Facilities are limited to the Church, Primary School, Village Hall, and Public House - there are no shops in the village. Most shopping requirements can be met at the Retail Park Shopping Centre located approximately 1 mile to the north of the village, or further a field in Kettering and surrounding large towns. Subsidies for the regular, if sparse, bus service to both Kettering and Wellingborough has been recently withdrawn resulting in a loss of this valuable service.
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2.3. Housing
During the middle of the 20th century the village experienced expansions to the southeast, in Lower End and Church Road. It was at this time that the current recreation ground and village hall were established. There was further expansion to the north in Manor Gardens and behind the school in Butchers Lane. There are currently two major housing schemes that have passed the planning stage and awaiting construction - one on the grounds of Home Farm in Butchers Lane, the other in the old orchard of Dairy Farm on Orlingbury Road. At various times over its history, there has been infill building, resulting in very few opportunities for further expansion.
2.4. Employment
Currently there are limited opportunities for employment within the village - the major employers being the farms, the school, the coach operator and the farm machinery operation. Apart from some home-working, most employment is outside of the village.
2.5. Renewable Energy The village is located in open countryside and the opportunities for providing renewable energy are very limit. There is already a large wind turbine farm 2-3 miles to the east at the Barton Wold Farm.
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2.6. Communications
The village is bisected by two road systems - Isham road/High street/ Broughton Road, and Orlingbury Road/Kettering Road affording links to adjacent villages and also to Kettering and to the main A14 east/west trunk road via Junction 9 to the north of the village.
2.6.1.Road system Both the east-west and the north-south routes are heavily used during rush hours and also suffer from high-speed traffic at all times. Community Speed Watch schemes have been employed to monitor traffic flows and to raise awareness of the issues surrounding speeding.
2.6.2.Footpaths In addition to the road-side pavements within the centre of the village, there are many public footpaths both within the village and in the surrounding open countryside linking adjacent communities, although there are no footpaths to the nearby Retail Park shopping area.
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Figure 2 Map of rights of way
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2.6.3.Broadband Internet High speed broadband is available in the village and it is expected that the current speed will be improved in line with government directives. Recent tests indicate:
Ping Download Upload 412 ms 43.09 Mb/s 6.68 Mb/s
2.6.4.Mobile Phone Reception Mobile reception within the village varies from average to virtually non-existent. The variance is not only related to provider, but also to location in the village. The local antennae is located just outside of the village to the north and some users experience problems due to the ‘shadows’ cast by larger buildings - for example, the Church.
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3. Key Issues
3.1. Background
In 2003 Pytchley Parish Council commissioned a village questionnaire in order to produce a Parish Plan. The questionnaire contained valuable information regarding the resident’s wishes and desires for the development of the village of Pytchley. A report was produced, but due to the time lapse for its acceptance by KBC, a further village questionnaire was commissioned in 2012. This enabled the original plan to be updated to reflect the then current views of the residents. The two documents - Parish Plan 2003 and Parish Plan update 2012 - were submitted to KBC and incorporated by them.
When a decision was made by the Parish Council to produce a Neighbourhood Plan, it was decided that the data within the Parish Plans was a sound and reliable basis to take forward. In addition to this data, an open day was held on 14th May 2016.
At the open day, a full presentation was made of the two original plans. Additionally, display boards were presented depicting various aspects of the village, as highlighted in the original parish plans, augmented by current photographs relating to the aspects of each board. The audience was encouraged to write comments on ‘post-it’ notes for as many subjects as they wished. at the close of the day, all the comments were photographed and then collated.
The day was very well attended and provided useful feedback to the Working Group to provide a valuable update to the original parish plans. This data, combined with the previous information, then provided a firm basis in order to develop the Neighbourhood Plan.
3.2. Main Planning Issues
From the data received and the historical information available from the Parish Plans, it was possible to identify broad headings to represent the main issues raised. From the list of main issues, a clear vision of how the community wishes the village to develop and a full set of objectives can be established. Some objectives are not related to planning issues and are added under a separate heading below.
3.2.1.Housing
Generally, the feeling was that the village layout and current density could not support large-scale development with the exception of the area in Isham Road previously identified by KBC to provide future housing. Currently this area is planned to support
Page 20 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission the creation of eight units. There is a distinct lack of low-cost starter homes, this was a specific feature that came out of the community questionnaires.
3.2.2.Commercial Development
Opportunities for commercial development within the village are limited. The village does not lend itself to development areas suitable for large-scale employment. Consistent with the Parish Plan there was strong feeling that there should be no further large commercial development within the parish.
3.2.3.Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation
This did not feature in the Parish Plan and there is therefore no history. However, from the consultation it was clear that there was strong opposition to the siting of a Gypsy/ Traveller site within the parish of Pytchley.
3.2.4.Sustainability
Land for development for new build properties been identified on the Isham Road. Further in-fill development that aligns with the general principles of providing a social role and enhances the village environment in accordance with the visions and objectives will be supported.
There are many historical features within the village including Grade II listed buildings and a conservation area.
3.2.5.Renewable Energy
As to be expected this received mixed opinions as it did in the update to the Parish Plan. There was feeling that there should be no wind or solar farms within the parish.
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3.2.6.Facilities
The absence of a shop was lamented with the suggestion that the Pub could meet this need. There is currently a large superstore just over a mile away from the village. The village Hall and recreation grounds are seen as an important asset to the village.
3.3. Main non-Planning Issues
The following issues, although not directly related to planning, evoked a strong feeling from the community and are listed so that any future development is made aware of these issues and ensures that the situation is not aggravated by the development.
3.3.1.Roadways
Both major roads bisecting the village are used as ‘rat runs’ during the rush hours. This leads to large volumes of traffic, much of which exceeds the statutory speed limit. Community Speed Watch campaigns have been employed over a period of years to attempt to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding, but with limited success. Various speed-calming schemes have been suggested to try to alleviate the problem.
3.3.2.Parking
There were many requests from the community for the grassed verges in certain areas to be replaced with hard surfacing to provide off road parking.
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The other areas where parking is an issue is the High Street where because of the narrow road width, through traffic is hampered with the result that parked cars are frequently damaged. The problem in the High Street is compounded during school term time with additional parked vehicles during drop-off and pick-up periods.
3.3.3.Litter Residents cited litter as a problem and others suggested that the food takeaway businesses on the Retail Park should be responsible for clearing up the discarded food/ drink containers, which litter the village.
3.3.4.Dog mess There are still are dog walkers who do not clear up after their dogs have fouled the pavements.
3.3.5.Playground Equipment There were several remarks about the inadequate playground equipment.
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4. Vision and Objectives
4.1. Vision The following vision and objectives set out how the Plan aims to address the key issues that have been identified through consultation and research.
Vision for Pytchley Village
This Neighbourhood Plan will ensure that the Village of Pytchley will: a) Retain its character as a traditional village, b) Evolve without losing the essential character of the village, c) Ensure that any development will enhance the quality of life for the community and d) Ensure that all developments offer a fully sustainable and thriving rural lifestyle.
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4.2. Objectives In order to deliver the Vision and to take forward into Planning Policies, a series of objectives have been established. These objectives summarise the key issues identified previously and are listed as broad statements of intent.
Item Description Related Policy/Policies No. Build housing within the defined Settlement 1 PP01, PP02 Boundary Provide for village housing needs including 2 PP01, PP02 affordable housing Ensure that new buildings are designed in 3 PP01, PP04 keeping with the local environment. Encourage new businesses into the village 4 PP03, PP04 without impacting existing infrastructure. Protect important areas of open spaces and 5 PP07, PP08, PP11, PP12 ensure country views are maintained. Ensure that the potential future density of 6 PP02, PP10 through traffic is managed. Address Parking issues relating to residents 7 PP02, PP10 and visitors. Encourage greater use of walking and 8 PP11 cycling. Ensure that any new development is 9 supported by timely review and update of PP02, PP05 local infrastructure. Encourage the maintenance and, if required, 10 improvement of existing properties within PP06, PP08 the village boundary. Retain and protect the setting of the village 11 PP07, PP12 within the open countryside
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5. The Planning Policies
These Planning Policies have been developed from the criteria identified in the previous sections. They have encompassed the features and principles summarized in the Visions and Objectives sections.
Each Policy is indexed by a unique number and is appended by a policy intention, and an evidenced-based justification of the policy. Where evidence is taken from the previous Village Plans (2003 and 2012), only the relevant paragraph numbers are referenced.
The relevant Planning Committees, when deciding on Planning Applications relating to the Parish of Pytchley, shall use the Policies in addition to the Local Development Plan and Government Legislation.
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5.1. Policy Location Map
Figure 3 Map of Policy Locations
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5.2. Policy: PP01 Pytchley Settlement Boundary
Overview This Policy defines the settlement boundary for the village and development that will be acceptable within these limits.
Intent The intent is not to completely stop any development, but to ensure any future building work does not ‘overwhelm’ the existing character of the village.
5.2.1.Policy PP01 The Neighbourhood Plan designates a Pytchley Settlement Boundary, as shown on the Policies Map, within which proposals for an infill housing development may be supported.
New homes on the infill sites within the Pytchley Settlement Boundary may be permitted where: • The proposal respects the character and pattern of development; • The design reflects local character; • The proposal complies with the other policies of this Neighbourhood Plan; and • The amenities of adjacent residents are not unduly affected.
Development for homes behind existing frontages of housing will be strictly controlled, particularly where there is no defensible boundary to open countryside and where the amenities of residents on the frontage would be adversely affected by overlooking and disturbance.
New development in existing back gardens within the Settlement Boundary will not be supported in order to protect the historic character and pattern of the village. . Evidence
Parish Plan section 3.2 Parish Plan section 2 Parish Plan update Appendix 12 (2.3 & 3.2) Neighbourhood Plan first consultation report “Housing”
Policy: PP02 Housing Site Allocation
Overview This Policy identifies any areas within the village that have already been allocated for development and defines the scope of the development(s).
Intent To ensure that any new development is in keeping with the local amenities. Page 28 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
5.2.2.Policy PP02 The Neighbourhood Plan allocates land east of Pytchley village, as shown on the Policies Map, for residential use.
Proposals for the development of the land will be supported, provided: The scheme delivers approximately 8 - 12 new houses; The scheme has a mix of 2, 3 and 4-bedroom types of homes and makes provision for 30% affordable homes; The site has off-street parking spaces. per property to avoid parking on the public highway, and ensure that a footpath to the village boundary is established. The number of spaces required are defined in policy no. PP10 of this document; An ecological impact assessment is carried out to evidence and propose a biodiversity mitigation strategy with the aim of the scheme delivering a net biodiversity gain for the loss of any value identified on the former land; The layout and landscape scheme: Provide for a landscape buffer on the northern boundary of the site to create a defensible boundary that will prevent access to land to the north of the site; Retain as much of the hedgerow that run around the site as possible as part of the agreed biodiversity improvement strategy; Have regard to the amenities of adjoining residential properties in Isham Road. Appropriate traffic calming schemes and environmental improvements are provided at the entrances to and within Pytchley.
Evidence Parish Plan section 2.3 Parish Plan Update Appendix 12 (3.2 &4.3.1) Neighbourhood Plan first consultation report “Housing”
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5.3. Policy: PP03 Commercial Land and Buildings within the Settlement Boundary
Overview This Policy addresses the development of commercial buildings within the village boundary.
Intent The intent of this policy is to ensure that commercial development does not impinge on the overall character of the village.
5.3.1.Policy PP03 Proposals to retain and improve services within the Settlement Boundary will be supported. Proposals for the redevelopment or change of use of premises used for retail or other local services will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that their location and premises are no longer economically viable and that the premises have been marketed at a reasonable price for a reasonable timeframe for that and any other suitable commercial uses.
Proposals to enhance, extend and protect existing services, as well as to develop new facilities, will be supported, provided that they do not harm residential amenity and that they conform to the other design requirements in this Neighbourhood Plan.
For the purposes of this policy, ‘Commercial Land and Buildings’ means uses falling within Use Classes ’A’ and ‘B’ of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) or closely similar sui generis uses.
Evidence
Parish Plan section 3 “ Development” Parish Plan update Appendix 12 (3.2) Neighbourhood Plan first consultation report “Development”
Page 30 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
5.4. Policy: PP04 Commercial Land and Buildings throughout the Parish Overview This Policy deals with the re-use of redundant land through the Neighbourhood Plan area excluding land at Kettering South covered by policy 37 of the NNJCS
Intent The intent of this policy is to ensure that the reuse of any redundant land or building will only be developed under restricted conditions.
5.4.1.Policy PP04 New proposals for the redevelopment or change of use of land or buildings in employment or commercial use to non-employment uses will only be permitted if the existing use is no longer economically viable and the site has been marketed at a competative price for at least a year for that and any other suitable employment or commercial uses.
Proposals to enhance, extend and protect existing employment sites, as well as to develop new facilities, will only be supported, provided that they do not damage the built and natural environment and that they conform to the other design requirements in this Neighbourhood Plan.
For the purposes of this policy, ‘Commercial Land and Buildings’ means uses falling within Use Classes ’A’ and ‘B’ of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) or closely similar sui generis uses.
Evidence
Most employment sites within the village or already identified by higher authorities would serve workers from outside the village and would provide more than enough employment to meet existing and anticipated future village needs No other land has been identified within the Parish.
Page 31 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
5.4.2.Policy: PP05 Community Facilities Overview This policy deals with existing and proposed community facilities within the settlement boundary.
Intent The intent is to ensure that any existing facilities within the village are not altered to the detriment of the overall village enjoyment.
5.4.3.Policy PP05 The retention and enhancement of local community facilities will be supported. Proposals involving the loss of facilities will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that they are no longer viable whilst proposals to change the use of an asset must demonstrate that all reasonable steps have been taken to retain its present use and community value.
Proposals to enhance, extend and protect existing local community facilities, as well as to develop new facilities, will be supported, provided that they do not damage the residential environment and that they conform to the other design, etc. requirements in this Neighbourhood Plan.
Evidence
Current facilities within the village are well supported as demonstrated by observation and village consultation Village Hall – Parish Plan item 7.3. & 7.2.1., See also deed and constitution of village hall Recreation Ground – Parish Plan item 7.4.1.& 7.2.1. Mobile Library - since withdrawn Public House – Parish plan section 7.2.1. Church – Parish Plan section 10 & 7.2.1 plus creation of “Heritage Trust” (see revision of parish Plan)
Page 32 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
Figure 4 Map of Conservation Area
Page 33 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
Policy: PP06 Design In The Conservation Area
Overview The policy determines the amount of alteration within the conservation area.
Intent The intent is to ensure that the core conservation area of the village is not altered such that the overall character of the village is reduced.
5.4.4.Policy PP06 Proposals for development should preserve and enhance the historic character and appearance of the Pytchley Conservation Area, as shown in the Policies Map, and its wealth of listed buildings and other heritage assets.
All planning applications within the Conservation Area must explain how the design of proposals have sought to preserve and enhance the special architectural or historic interest of the area identified in the Pytchley Conservation Area Appraisal.
The design of development proposals should reflect the style of existing buildings and the character of the street-scape in respect of the use of construction materials and finishes for buildings or extensions. New buildings should be of a scale, size, colour and proportions to complement the character of traditional buildings in the Conservation Area. Where approved, modern replacement and/or new build materials should visually complement the immediate environment.
Any proposals for alterations or modernisation of commercial buildings should reflect their heritage, retain any existing traditional frontage, and ensure that the installation of modern infrastructure is as unobtrusive as possible.
Proposals to subdivide residential plots to enable development in rear gardens will be resisted as harmful to the special architectural or historic interest of the Conservation Area.
Proposals for semi-permanent additions to properties such as signage, satellite dishes, and solar panels must have full regard to their effect on the appearance of the Conservation Area. Conditions pertaining to these imposed by Conservation Area designation should be strictly enforced.
Evidence
Revision to Parish Plan Appendix 12 ((8.5 & 7.2)
Page 34 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
5.4.5.Policy: PP07 Development outside the Settlement Boundary
Overview This policy addresses development outside of the Settlement Boundary. The main focus is on development other than new homes and is in addition to policy PP01. This policy specifically excludes land at Kettering South which is covered by policy 37 of the NNJCS.
Intent The intent of this policy is to ensure that any future development does not impact on the overall character and setting of the village within its Parish.
5.4.6.Policy PP07 Development proposals on land outside the defined building boundary will not be supported in the countryside unless such development is necessary for the purposes of agriculture or forestry, or for enterprise, diversification, recreation or tourism that benefit the rural economy without harming countryside and villagers interests. New isolated homes in the countryside will not be supported except in accordance with this Neighbourhood Plan.
The term ‘Development’ shall include reallocation or re-use of existing structures/land in addition to new development.
• The restrictions shall include, but not limited to, items such as: • New and existing agricultural buildings • Equestrian activities and uses • Barn conversions or re-use of existing permanent buildings • Solar farms or wind turbines • Other outdoor recreational uses
Evidence
Page 35 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
5.4.7.Policy: PP08 Views Into And Out Of The Conservation Area
Overview To ensure the open aspect of the village is maintained.
Intent The intent of this policy is to limit any development that would impact on the enjoyment of the views over the local open countryside.
5.4.8.Policy PP08 Proposals for the development that affects views into of out of the Conservation Area will only be supported if they do not obstruct views to the Area from beyond the village, and views of the surrounding countryside from within all parts of the village. It should be explicitly recognised in any planning decision that the views into and out of the Conservation Area form part of the area's special character.
Proposals for the redevelopment of previously developed land or for the alteration of buildings on land that is considered significant in forming an essential setting to the special architectural or historic interest of the Conservation Area by all the residents will only be supported if they do not detract from its character or appearance.
Stone boundary walls within the conservation are a significant historical feature of the village. All future development within the conservation area must ensure that existing walls are preserved and maintained.
Evidence
Parish Plan sections 8.2 & 8.5
Page 36 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
5.5. Village Listed Buildings.
Figure 5 Map of Listed Buildings
Page 37 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
Key to Map
1. Church of All Saints - Grade I 2. Dower House - Grade II 3. Glebe House - Grade II 4. Keeper's Cottage - Grade II 5. Lodge Cottage - Grade II 6. Old School House - Grade II 7. Pigeoncote, Coach House and Stable 20 Metres West of Pytchley House - Grade II 8. Pytchley Grange Farmhouse and Short Flanking Fences and Gates - Grade II ** 9. Pytchley House - Grade II 10. Pytchley Lodge Farmhouse - Grade II ** 11. Pytchley Manor House - Grade II 12. Rustic Summerhouse 30 Metres South of Pytchley House - Grade II 13. The Cottage - Grade II 14. The Thatched House - Grade II
** = Located outside of the village Settlement Boundary. See section: 5.1
Page 38 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
5.6. Policy: PP09 Listed Buildings
Overview To state the importance of maintaining listed buildings.
Intent The intent of this policy is to work closely with Local Planning, English Heritage, and other agencies to ensure that Listed Buildings are maintained as required by the Law.
5.6.1.Policy PP09 Proposals that will result in harm to, or loss of, a building or structure that has been identified as a Heritage Asset will be resisted unless it can be demonstrated that the harm is unavoidable and that the public benefits of the proposals outweigh the harm.
Evidence
National policies on listed buildings
Page 39 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
5.7. Policy: PP10 Traffic And Car Parking
Overview To limit the effect of any possible increase in traffic within and through the village.
Intent The intent of this Policy is to ensure that on-street parking is restricted and that off- street parking is encouraged. Traffic volumes within and through the village are a particular problem for the village.
5.7.1.Policy PP10 Proposals for all types of development will only be supported where it is demonstrated that there is no adverse impact on the road network and pedestrian safety would not be compromised. Mitigation measures will be required for proposals resulting in significantly increased traffic movements that have negative impacts.
All development proposals where a transport assessment is required as part of a planning application must evaluate the effects of additional traffic movements generated by the development on the core local road network comprising the Isham Road, Orlingbury Road, Kettering Road, and Broughton Road. Such traffic analysis must also evaluate the impact of additional traffic flows and speed on to and off of these major thoroughfares.
Proposals for new residential development must make adequate provision for off-street parking for both residents and visitors.
Proposals to increase the number of bedrooms in a property must include a commensurate increase in the number of off-street car parking spaces. Proposals for new, or extensions to existing, commercial premises or community facilities must demonstrate the adequacy of off-street car parking spaces.
Proposals that require planning consent to create new parking spaces using residential frontages will be supported.
A standard residential parking space is considered to have minimum dimensions of 2.44 metres by 4.88 metres plus additional space surrounding it to allow adequate pedestrian access. Parking spaces contained within garages will only be regarded as a parking space if they have minimum dimensions of 3 metres by 6 metres internally.
Evidence
Parish Plan section 4.3. Revision to Parish Plan Appendix 4.3.1 Neighbourhood Plan first consultation report “Cars/Traffic” Page 40 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
5.8. Policy: PP11 Green Infrastructure And Biodiversity
Overview To ensure ecological and biodiversity issues are addressed.
Intent The intent of this Policy is to ensure that any existing ‘green’ areas, including but not limited to those referenced in Policy PP12, are protected and that any new developments embrace the principle of biodiversity during the planning stage.
5.8.1.Policy PP11 Development proposals must contribute to and enhance the natural environment by ensuring the protection of local assets and the provision of alternative habitat resources for wildlife and green spaces for the community.
New development will be required to retain trees and hedgerows. Where they are unavoidably lost, replacement trees and hedgerows using indigenous species must be planted. New development will be required to respect local landscape character, in particular by minimising the impact of new development on views into and out of the village.
Where new housing development with integral open space is brought forward, developers will be expected to cooperate with the establishment of appropriate long- term arrangements for the management of this open space. Developers will be required to provide financial contributions or other means to support initial costs and ongoing maintenance, and/or to transfer land to an appropriate body, by agreement with the planning authority.
Proposals to extinguish or to divert significantly an existing footpath as a result of development schemes will be resisted.
Development proposals that enable the provision of new footpaths, bridleways and cycle-ways in and around the village will be supported and encouraged, provided that they accord with other policies of this Neighbourhood Plan and have regard to the principles of the district-wide green infrastructure strategy.
Evidence
No specific Pytchley documented evidence
Page 41 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
5.9. Policy: PP12 Local Green Spaces
Overview Identify existing local open areas within the village as shown on the policies map.
Intent The intent of this policy is to identify existing local open areas and to ensure that they are protected from development.
5.9.1.Policy PP12 The Neighbourhood Plan designates the following locations as Local Green Spaces, as shown on the Policies Map:
• Lower Green - adjacent to Dairy Farm • Recreation Ground - bounded by Lower End and Church Road. • Triangle at the main crossroads of High Street/Isham Road and Stringers Hill/ Kettering Road. • Paddock in Orlingbury Road adjacent to Butchers Lane.
Proposals for development on the identified land will not be supported.
Evidence
KBC identified areas – Site Specific Proposals Local Development Document References HVI033 & HVI034
Page 42 of 43 Pytchley Village Neighbourhood Development Plan – pre-submission
6. Appendices.
6.1. Abbreviations. The following are a list of abbreviations used throughout this document listed alphabetically:
CSS – Core Spatial Strategy KBC – Kettering Borough Council LDP – Local Development Plan NNJCS - North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy NPPF - National Planning Policy Framework
6.2. References.
Localism Act 2011 Parish Plan 2003 Parish Plan 2012 Neighbourhood Plan first consultation report. National Planning Policy Framework 2014 Local Development Plan North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Community Speed Watch Deed and constitution of village hall Pytchley Conservation Area Appraisal Document (KBC document)
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