RearsbRearsbRearsbyyy Nei NeiNeigghbourhoodhbourhood PlanPlanPlan 2017-20282017-20282017-2028

PRE-SUBMISSION DRAFT MARCH 2017 PREPRE-SUBMISSION-SUBMISSION DRAFT DRAFT MARCH MARCH 2017 2017

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

1. Introduction

2. Neighbourhood Plan Area

3. Evolution of the Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan and the Public Engagement Process

4. Evidence 1: Community and Local Priorities

5. Evidence 2: Key Statistics

6. Evidence 3: Policy Context

7. Vision, Objectives and Proposals Map

8. Planning Policies

9. Implementation

Appendices

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1. INTRODUCTION Rearsby is located in the Wreake Valley in , towards the eastern edge of the District of Charnwood. It borders the neighbouring rural settlements of Brooksby, , , and Gaddesby, with one village and substantial farmland covering approximately 600 hectares in extent.

2. NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN AREA

KEY

Rearsby Parish Boundary

Rearsby Limits to Development Boundary

Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan, Rearsby Parish Council - Neighbourhood Area

2.1 The Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan covers the entire area within the parish boundaries, and is shown as the area inside the red boundary on the map above.

3. THE EVOLUTION OF REARSBY’S NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 3.1 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 key buildings, landmarks, roads and paths. It is attached in the Appendices of the Neighbourhood Plan.

3.2 In the subsequent years, a number of housing development proposals were approved to convert sites in the village centre into new residential provision, despite objections being raised on the nature or size of the changes involved. During the early part of 2015 the ‘Keep Rearsby Rural’ campaign galvanised opposition to a 3 3 DRAFT TEXT, FOR CONSULTATION MARCH/APRIL 2017 submitted proposal for large-scale housing development on Melton Road. By mid-summer over 350 objections had been submitted to Charnwood Planning Department and the Planning Committee agreed to refuse approval to the planning application. Whilst the responses to that application were under way, other discussions had begun in the village on how to respond more proactively towards future ideas for any other kinds of development in the village area. A sub-group of the Parish Council was established to draw together a Neighbourhood Plan, and an application was made to Charnwood Borough Council in May 2015 for the parish to be designated as a suitable area. Formal agreement of this designation was obtained from the Borough in August 2015.

3.3 Public Meetings to explain the process for compiling a local Neighbourhood Plan commenced in September 2015, and the canvassing of diferent 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.

3.4 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 (see: www.rearsbyneighbourhoodplan.org.uk).

3.5 In September 2016, the Parish Council secured @£6,000 to support the next stages of drafting a proposed Plan from ‘Locality’, 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 is now being circulated to all households and businesses in the parish for further consultation.

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4. EVIDENCE 1 – COMMUNITY AND LOCAL PRIORITIES 4.1 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 -area. Villagers feel the village should continue to evolve slowly, and that its distinctive character- as recognised by the Conservation Area designation in 1973 - should be retained.

4.2 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 afordable homes for local residents. 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. 4.3 Ratings for community priorities (on a scale of 1-10 -10 as highest priority)

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

5 DRAFT TEXT, FOR CONSULTATION MARCH/APRIL 2017 4.4 What else is wanted in the village? People wish to see shop facilities in the village, and more leisure opportunities for both young and older members of the community. More control is wanted over speeding trafc in the village and the parking congestion that is apparent at certain parts of the ‘school day’, and the bus routes 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 it is felt that local renewable energy supplies would assist business development.

4.5 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 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. [To complete following returns from the circulation of the draft text.]

4.6 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. No firm intentions have been identified that would change the nature of this use. Discussion has been commenced with some parties that could support ‘exception site’ policies, under the terms of this Plan. Negotiations on the transfer of the Conker Field and Spinney into community ownership, as part of the convent redevelopment proposals, are well advanced and awaiting final approval. [To complete following returns from the circulation of the draft text.] 4.7 Feedback from other stakeholders [To complete following returns from the circulation of the draft text.]

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5. EVIDENCE 2 - KEY STATISTICS 5.1 Census 2011 The most recent ofcial and comprehensive statistics on Rearsby Parish that can inform the Neighbourhood Plan are from the returns to the Census 2011. Rearsby Parish is 600 hectares in area and had a population of 1097, with a density of 1.8 persons per hectare. The census noted 407 households, giving an average household size of 2.7 people per household. There are 528 males (48.1%) and 569 females (51.9%). 21.6% of residents are aged 65 or over, which, although typical of rural areas, is slightly higher than the averages for Charnwood (16.4%), (17.1%) and (16.3%). 136 households include dependent children. 120 of the households have ‘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 have at least one dependent child. Additions to the village since the 2011 Census show that the number of households now total approximately 462.

5.2 Housing Needs The majority of homes in the parish are detached (77.9%) houses or bungalows, there 12.5% semi-detached and 8.4% terraced. Overcrowding was not an issue at the time of the Census. The census implies that there is some evidence of overcrowding in a small number of households (5 households or 1.2%) with dependent children and lone parent family households more likely to be afected. The analysis suggests that there is a lack of smaller properties (less than 3 bedrooms) in the parish. The low proportion of smaller homes available makes it difcult for older people who want to downsize, as well as younger people (and people on low incomes) who want to establish their first independent home. The Borough Council has commenced a process to carry out some up-to-date ‘rural housing needs surveys’ across the Borough, using the assistance of Midlands Rural Housing, and it has been agreed to conduct a survey in Rearsby during Autumn 2017, following the completion of the Neighbourhood Plan.

5.3 Community Facilities and Open Space The following facilities and places can be listed :

Ŕ Rearsby Village Hall Ŕ Village Green Ŕ St Michael & All Angels Church Ŕ Brook and paddocks, Brookside Ŕ St Michael & All Angels Primary School Ŕ The Wheel Public House Ŕ Childrens Playpark on Brookside Ŕ The Horse & Groom, Public House Ŕ Village Playing Fields, Melton Road Ŕ Open space / Field on Melton Road, opposite Ŕ Childrens Playpark, Crescent New Avenue and Weston Close Ŕ ‘Conker Field and Spinney’, Station Road Ŕ Wide verges : Station Road / Bleakmoor Close Ŕ Bog Lane Ŕ Allotments, Melton Road

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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 planning values.

6.2 Leicester and Leicestershire Strategic Growth Plan Charnwood is part of the wider housing market for Leicester and Leicestershire, and a Strategic Growth Plan is being prepared through 2017 which will reflect on the amount of homes and jobs needed to be distributed across the county area. A new ‘Leicester and Leicestershire Strategic Housing Market Assessment report’ is awaited, and will entail constant monitoring of the wider ‘growth’ context.

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 2016, makes provision for around 14,000 new homes between 2011 and 2028. (Policy CS1). In the main, these new units will be located either within large urban extension developments to the north-east of Leicester and west of , or in a number of medium-sized ‘service centres’, such as Anstey, , , Quorn, , and . As at the end of 2016, the Planning Authority has confirmed it has identified a sufcient supply of strategic housing sites to demonstrate its required ‘5-year pipeline’. This should now protect the Core Strategy area from any new unwanted and speculative housing proposals. At the time of the adoption of ‘Charnwood Local Plan Core Strategy 2011-2028’, many of the required houses have been completed or committed through the grant of planning permission. Indeed, the total new indicative new housing provision assessed in 2014 for Charnwood as a whole was 15,436, against a planned requirement of 14,000 by 2028. A Local Plan Review has already commenced to extend the provisions of the Core Strategy to set out the strategic and detailed policies to deliver the Plan’s vision up to 2036. A Housing Supplementary Planning Document(SPD) was issued by Charnwood Borough Council for consultation in January 2017. SPDs provide further information and guidance on development plan policies. The SPD bears on matters of afordable housing provision related to to the size of the development proposal and encourages the planning for rural exception sites in Neighbourhood Plans.

6.4 Rearsby’s position in the Local Plan Core Strategy Rearsby is included in a group of smaller villages, referred to as ‘other settlements’, where the total provision of at least 500 new homes is proposed. These ‘other settlements’ include , , Cossington, East Goscote, , ,

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Queniborough, Thrussington, , , and Rearsby, and are principally villages that have four or more key services and facilities, e.g. primary school, pub, 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, which it clarifies as: “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.” From a planned provision of 500 housing units (2011-2028) in the ‘other settlements’ category, 211 had been completed by 2014 and a further 676 committed as of 2014, providing an indicative total supply from completions, commitments and strategic sites of 887, as at November 2015. Significant areas of new housing land within or on the edge of Rearsby village or elsewhere in the parish are not required to contribute towards meeting the Borough’s overall targets – any new housing in Rearsby will be expected to be small scale infill developments tailored to meet local need.

Policy CS11 (Landscape and Countryside) in the Charnwood Local Plan Core Strategy 2011- 2028 requires, “new development to maintain the separate identities of our towns and villages” and generally supports areas of separation where justified. The Charnwood Landscape Character Assessment places the 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 green-field land would conserve or enhance the rural character in these locations.

9 DRAFT TEXT, FOR CONSULTATION MARCH/APRIL 2017 7. THE VISION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE REARSBY NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 7.1 Summary of the stated ‘evidence’ A number of conclusions can be drawn from the preceding evidence: Ŕ there is a need to maintain distinct areas of separation between Rearsby and other settlements; Ŕ new housing should be solely small-scale to respond to village character and need, particularly for smaller sized units for young households and for elderly villagers; Ŕ there is no need to identify any specific new sites for new housing to contribute to the requirements of the Local Plan Core Strategy; Ŕ public access to green and open space within and around the village needs to be protected; Ŕ there is a healthy degree of local employment and an appetite to expand this in the future.

7.2 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. There is a need to maintain and extend the mix of housing, including sheltered accommodation and afordable homes. The public consultation process has shown that there is clear concern about the capacity of the village to absorb significant new residential development. In this regard, there is particular concern that there is risk of closing the countryside gap with adjacent settlement to the west of the village. Additionally, concerns have been expressed about the further impact of further residential development on the surrounding countryside. Small-scale housing development using brownfield or infill land may therefore be acceptable but local people will expect it to relate to the existing village defined by the Limits to Development, as shown on the ‘Proposals Maps’. Public open space within the village is a prized asset of Rearsby and the opportunity aforded 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, sports field, and other incidental open spaces, including highway verges and footpaths, is an important local issue in Rearsby.

7.3 Vision

The vision for Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan is that, by 2028, people in Rearsby will: a. Be part of a sustainable, thriving and prosperous community; b. Have helped maintain its village character within its rural surroundings c. Be a parish with a thriving natural environment and sustainable wildlife d. Have shaped changes in the area that bring benefit to the whole community.

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Objectives To deliver the vision of the Plan, the following objectives have been set: Ŕ To protect the village and parish environment, heritage, landscape and amenity spaces Ŕ To shape future development in order for it to be sensitive to its ‘built setting’ and its rural surroundings; Ŕ To tailor any house building activity to the needs of the community and the context of Rearsby’s character; Ŕ To maintain and support a vibrant local economy.

7.4 Neighbourhood Plan Proposal Maps

In support of the above objectives, the Neighbourhood Plan contains a series of specific proposals and policies: 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. Map 2 denotes proposals around the core area on ‘Limits to Built Development’. This contains more detail on particular uses and proposals for identified sites and land in and around the village core of the parish. The ‘Neighbourhood-wide policies’ detail the way future proposals and planning applications for developmental change in the parish will be considered. It is expected that future development complies with the detail set out in these policies.

11 DRAFT TEXT, FOR CONSULTATION MARCH/APRIL 2017 Convent land Land adj Village Hall 1 2 Limit development to Extensions development to limits Zone separation of New housing - Convent Conservation Area Employment Area Parish Boundary Local Green Space & important verges First Potential Exception for Future Site Housing LTD LTD LTD LTD 1 2 N Scale bar, to follow to Scale bar, Scale: Key 2 Rearsby Business Park Playing Field Play Facility First potential Exception fot Site HousingFuture LTD ExtensionLTD 1 Bog Lane Conker Field LTD ExtensionLTD Convent- new housingConvent- Bluestone Play Field

Map 1: Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan Proposals Plan Ordnance Survey PSMA licence number: 0100058652 12 DRAFT TEXT, FOR CONSULTATION MARCH/APRIL 2017 Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan

Key

Limit to development

Extensions to development limits

LTD 1 Convent land 1 1 2 LTD 2 Land adj Village Hall

Zone of separation

New housing - Convent

Conservation Area

Local Green Space & important verges

Employment Area

Parish Boundary

First Potential Exception Site for Future Housing N

Scale: Scale bar to follow

2

Map 2: Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan Proposals Plan Ordnance Survey PSMA licence number: 0100058652 13 DRAFT TEXT, FOR CONSULTATION MARCH/APRIL 2017 8. PLANNING 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 Zone of Separation between Rearsby and East Goscote The desire to preserve the integrity Rearsby and to maintain separation between villages has been a heavily supported 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 now very narrow. Any development in this zone could harm the rural character and geographic autonomy of both villages and risks coalescence.

POLICY R1 ZONE OF SEPARATION: To retain the physical and visual separation between Rearsby and East Goscote. This area will be zoned as a Zone of Separation as shown on the Proposals Map. 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 Limits to Development Within the Limit to Development identified in this Plan, small scale sustainable will be viewed sympathetically. The development will mainly comprise infill, the filling of a restricted gap in an otherwise built up frontage, or the conversion of an existing building. Any development will be required to demonstrate that it meets a identified local need, and is well designed and located.

POLICY R2 REARSBY LIMITS TO DEVELOPMENT: Within the defined Limits to Development as shown on the Proposals Map, 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; 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 afects the distinctive character of Rearsby or the amenity of the proposed occupiers of the new 14 DRAFT TEXT, FOR CONSULTATION MARCH/APRIL 2017 Rearsby Neighbourhood Plan

development or adjacent properties or uses; i. Does not increase the need to travel by car; and j. Any trafc 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 Limits to Development shown on the Proposals Map.

There is a need for a more balanced housing stock that helps to create more diverse and sustainable communities. There is a particular need for smaller homes for young households and for elderly villagers wishing to downsize and remain in Rearsby.

POLICY R3 HOUSING MIX: New housing development proposals, especially for afordable housing, should be provided to meet recognised housing need in the parish. The provision of smaller homes, especially for young families, young people and for older people who wish to downsize, will be supported. Proposals for forms of ‘community-led’ development, like self-build, land trusts and cohousing developments, will be encouraged where appropriate. Exception Sites The Neighbourhood Plan notes that small changes to edges of the existing Limits to Development boundary have already been permitted by recent planning approvals, and these are noted on Map 1. Additional incursion across the boundary will only be supported where it is accepted that the community will receive clear benefit from any new proposals. POLICY R4 EXCEPTION SITES: Proposals for the use of sites outside the Limits to Development, but adjacent to and connected to the existing village, will be supported, subject to either or both of 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. Sites provide afordable housing, where no single development will be comprised of more than 10 dwellings, and where c. the proposals contribute towards new accommodation for shared ownership, afordable, and social rented provision that meets the needs of people with an established local connection; d. the development is subject to an agreement which will ensure that new housing stock remains as afordable housing in perpetuity for people with a local connection; e. the development is appropriate, in terms of scale, character and location, and adheres to the design criteria promoted in accordance with this plan. ‘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 afordable housing as part of the same development, and where such ‘open market’ provision amounts to less than 50% of the total number of units involved.

15 DRAFT TEXT, FOR CONSULTATION MARCH/APRIL 2017 8.5 Employment sites There are numerous small and large business in Rearsby providing important employment, including for local people. The proposals map notes a ‘zoning’ of the particular employment area at Rearsby Business Park along Gaddesby Lane.

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. the commercial premises or land in question has not been in active user at least 12 months b. the commercial premises or land in question has no potential for either reoccupation or redevelopment for employment generating uses and as demonstrated through the result of a full valuation report and a marketing campaign lasting for a continuous period of at least 6 months.

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 trafc. d. Sufcient landscaping ‘bufers’ are provided between any extensions of the employment zone and land the southern edge of the bypass, in order to provide some screening of new property from the village core

8.7 Green Spaces and Natural Amenities The Neighbourhood Plan seeks to give ample protection to local green spaces and other natural amenities, and to invigorate the community’s enjoyment of such places wherever possible. POLICY R6: PROTECTION OF LOCAL GREEN SPACES AND NATURAL AMENITIES: a. The following local green spaces are identified on the Proposals Map as important local facilities that should be aforded planning protection. Ŕ Open space / Field on Melton Road, opposite New Avenue and Weston Close Ŕ Allotments, Melton Road Ŕ Childrens Playpark on Brookside Ŕ Village Playing Fields, Melton Road Ŕ Childrens Playpark, Auster Crescent Ŕ Conker Field and Spinney’, Station Road

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Ŕ Bog Lane Ŕ Village Green Ŕ Brook and paddocks, Brookside Ŕ Wide verges : Station Road / Bleakmoor Close New development proposals which impact adversely on the function, openness and permanence of these sites will not be permitted except in very special circumstances. b. When considering development proposals, mature trees, woodlands and important hedgerows should be protected where possible. c. Development that will result in the loss or damage to protected trees and woodlands will not be permitted unless a satisfactory scheme for the replacement of lost trees or mitigation of damage to the landscape is agreed.

8.8 Local Community Facilities The Neighbourhood Plan supports the conservation and delivery of community facilities and other infrastructure projects using various sources of funds as appropriate.

POLICY R7: PROTECTION OF LOCAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES:

There will be a presumption in favour of the protection of existing community facilities. Change of use of local facilities, as listed below, will only be used for other health, education of community type uses (such as village halls, clubhouses, health centres, schools, children day nurseries), unless the following can be demonstrated: a. The proposal includes alternative provision, on a site within the locality of equivalent or enhanced facilities. Such sites should be accessible by public transport, walking and cycling and have adequate car parking. b. Satisfactory evidence is produced that, over a minimum period of 12 months, it has been demonstrated that there is no longer a need for the facility. c. The facilities are as follows: Ŕ Rearsby Village Hall Ŕ St Michael & All Angels Church Ŕ St Michael & All Angels Primary School Ŕ The Wheel Public House Ŕ The Horse & Groom, Public House

8.9 Conservation Area and Heritage The Neighbourhood Plan supports the existing Conservation Area status that exists within part of the core of the village (see Appendix A.3), and endorses the guidance relating to changes in this area contained in the Rearsby Village Design Statement (see Appendix A.5). POLICY R8: REARSBY CONSERVATION AREA AND OTHER HERITAGE ASSETS

Development within or adjacent to the Rearsby Conservation Area, will be supported provided that: a. the form, design, scale and materials respect the Conservation Area and in the case of an

17 DRAFT TEXT, FOR CONSULTATION MARCH/APRIL 2017 extension, the host building; b. the siting respects the setting of any important open spaces and safeguards significant trees; c. any open space that makes a significant contribution to the character or appearance of the Conservation Area is not reduced in size; d. historic features such as stone boundary walls, are preserved or enhanced; e. important views are preserved or enhanced; and f. it does not erode the character and setting of the Conservation Area g. 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; h. its contribution to local distinctiveness, character and sense of place is acceptable; and i. it has regard to the guidance contained in the Rearsby Village Design Statement. j. The number of surviving areas of well preserved ‘Ridge and Furrow’ fields, as designated on the map supplied in the Appendices, are non-designated heritage assets and any development proposal in these areas will need to be balanced against their impact on these heritage assets.

8.10 Trafc Management and New Transport Schemes The Neighbourhood Plan notes the local concerns raised about trafc issues and will support development that can promote enhanced safety features and convenience for all members of the community.

POLICY R9: TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENTS: Schemes for development proposals that result in improvements in safety and trafc management and the provision of improvements to public transport built infrastructure will be fully supported. a. Subject to viability considerations, developer contributions and other funds will be sought for the following in Rearsby: Highway improvement schemes to promote the safety of pedestrians and cycle users. b. Trafc calming measures, pedestrian priority schemes and reduction in trafc speeds on routes through the village. c. Increasing public and community transport to and from the village.

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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 Parish Council’s key partner organisations are: Ŕ Charnwood Borough Council : planning policy, development management, housing, open spaces, recreation and community facilities Ŕ Leicestershire County Council : highways, education and social services Ŕ Leicester and Leicestershire Local Economic Partnership : economic development Ŕ Leicester Diocese : school facilities Ŕ Housing Associations and other local housing bodies : afordable housing Ŕ Local and village community-based organisations : ………..

9.2 Funding and Implementation Mechanisms Funding will be sought from developers through a combination of S106 Agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy, linked to new development, focused on assisting the delivery of the specified projects as a priority. 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 LEP funds) to obtain funding to help to achieve Neighbourhood Plan objectives.

9.3 Priority Projects The following list of infrastructure projects reflects local priorities:- Ŕ Improved access to Village Playing Fields, Melton Road Ŕ Consolidation of community management to ‘Conker Field and Spinney’, Station Road Ŕ Trafc calming measures, where appropriate Ŕ Faster broadband to all the parish Ŕ Creation of new afordable housing units.

9.4 Other Mechanisms The Parish Council working with appropriate partners, will consider also other initiatives to achieve Neighbourhood Plan objectives, including: Neighbourhood Development Orders; Community Right to Build applications; assets designated to be of ‘Community Value’; and community led housing developments. Suggestions have also come forward that a new community led organisation could take on the management and maintenance of green spaces (like the Conker Field) and of any new units of afordable housing. It is recognised that such measures can require other legal processes to be followed, some of which are outside the planning system and would be separate from, but complementary to the values of the Neighbourhood Plan.

19 DRAFT TEXT, FOR CONSULTATION MARCH/APRIL 2017 LIST OF APPENDICES

A.1 List of community consultees and other stakeholders …… A.2 Other aspirations and concerns collated from community-level consultations ….. A.3 Map of existing Conservation Area boundaries A.4 Heritage features in the parish area A.5 Rearsby Village Design Statement, 2002 + CENSUS DIAGRAMS 1. Accommodation 2. Household Size 3. Number of Bedrooms 4. Tenure-Households 5. Other Census Key Statistics

The Appendices can be located via the Neighbourhood Plan website www.rearsbyneighbourhoodplan.org.uk and via the Parish Council website.

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