Sulis Down – Existing Allocation
The site was removed from the Green Belt and allocated for development in the Core Strategy (policy B3a). The extent of the site allocation and policy requirements responded to key elements of the evidence base relating to the harm to the Cotswolds National Landscape, the World Heritage Sites and its setting, as well as important heritage assets such as the Wansdyke.
Phase 1 of the allocation is nearing completion and there was a recent appeal into the planning application for the comprehensive masterplan and for phases 3 and 4 that would have provided substantially more development than set out in the site allocation in the adopted Core Strategy. This appeal was dismissed on the following concluding grounds:
- 127: The proposed development would provide benefits that carry substantial weight in terms of the delivery of housing, including affordable housing. There would also be a range of other benefits that carry moderate and limited weight. Conversely, I (the Inspector) have afforded substantial weight to the adverse effects on the CNL [Cotswolds National Landscape] and the conflict with CS Policy B3a and other local and national policies relating to National Landscapes. The harm to heritage assets carries moderate weight and the conflict with policies relating to mixed use development carries limited weight.
- 128: On balance, given that CS Policy B3a limits development within the site allocation to around 300 dwellings unless all the placemaking principles can be met, which is not the case here, my conclusion is that the adverse effects outweigh the benefits. The proposed development would be contrary to the development plan taken as a whole, and there are no material considerations to indicate that planning permission should otherwise be granted.
It is a very sensitive development site and given that the evidence relating to harm has not changed and being mindful of the recent appeal Inspector’s conclusions, it is not proposed to amend this site allocation.
No change proposed and continue to protect the field to the south of the Wansdyke and the field to the east, adjacent to Southstoke Lane.
Review the existing allocation for Sulis Down (B3a) AKA Land adjoining Odd Down