Notes from Buxton with Lamas Neighbourhood Plan Meeting 12th July 2022
Present: Tim Curtis (Chair), Karen Laurence, Laura Soar, Tony Shaw, Rosemary Roth, Vereen Mercer, Rachel Hogger (Modicum Consulting)
Apologies: Thea Charmley, John Nield.
1) Presentation and analysis of online survey results.
Following two community conversation events in Buxton and Lammas in June, 39 people filled in our online survey. There were also a number of verbal comments captured separately.
Action: Tim to write an account of this engagement exercise in our draft Consultation Report.
Karen Laurence shared her analysis of the survey responses, and the group worked through each section as follows:
Framework and Objectives
Most of our proposals and current work was ‘approved’ by those who attended or responded. The steering group also reconfirmed its support for the Framework and Objectives.
Two objectives received 11 and 12% disagreement respectively:
- 1) New homes should be focused within the Buxton settlement boundary.The group felt most people may not be aware that development is only permitted within a defined zone within Buxton unless the NP designates further land outside this zone (which it does not propose to do). In addition, the Greater Norwich Local Plan has approved a development plot for circa 40 houses off the Aylsham Road outside this zone.
The group resolved to re-word this objective to the effect that apart from the above site outside the development zone, all development in the parish should be focused within it. - 2) Encourage affordable housing for local people where it delivers high standards of residential amenity
- 3) The group felt most people may not be aware that this is a re-statement of national policy, which has particular resonance in Buxton (eg the Feoffee Cottages).
The group felt, overall, that these two objectives should stand.
Sustainability
The survey results demonstrated strong support – providing a strong baseline of evidence that our communities would support policies that encourage development which uses less carbon, causes less environmental impact and which promotes efficient use of resources. This is to be noted as we draft policies.
There was a notably high level of support for community renewable energy generation.
Heritage Assets
The proposed Heritage Asset sites drew broad support, except for the Red House School in Buxton.
Action: The main purpose of this section during our engagement events was to generate further suggestions. A great number of proposals were made in the survey. These will be added to our register by Tim and circulated.
Action (all): Respond to the above, adding further information. Bure Valley Business Centre
The purpose of this section during our engagement events was not to act as a formal consultation on the future of the site, but to ascertain people’s broad feelings about its potential, should the owners decide to review its use.
It was noted that the B1 classification had since ‘morphed’ into B2. This applies to the entire site, not individual units.
The survey demonstrated:
- Greater opposition than support for homes to be built on this site
- Support for Class E uses, such as offices, traditional construction skills
- A general opposition to uses which might generate additional traffic or footfall (ietourism related amenities)
- Other written / verbal comments included suggestions to use the site for renewableenergy generation, community uses.The Bure Valley Business Centre is on a site that includes part of an old burial ground, notably taken over by Quakers and where members of the Wright family of Buxton and Anna Sewell were once interred.A member of the public has undertaken research into the history of the former Burial Ground, establishing that it was established in the 17th century.They sought the perspective of English Heritage who advised that Class E use would be appropriate; historic features of the site might be preserved and protected; “that the layout of any new development respond positively to the location and character”; natural screening would be encouraged.
The resident asked that her views should be drawn to the attention of the steering group:
“1. Noise and associated environmental impact (dust, fumes, vibration ect) must be within residential area limits.
2. Height and density of scheme should be no greater than existing or lower in height on the raised land. View from across river on the other side significant!
3. Traffic is a concern. Also a concern is that it should not be significantly increased. 4. The scheme should not detract from the rural/historic setting.
5. The scheme should be sustainable from an energy perspective and not increase energy consumption.
6. Working days and times should be restricted. I.e. monday to friday 8.30am to 5.30pm – saturday 8.30am to 12.30pm. Sunday – closed to respect residential area.
Four trees within setting of friends meeting house deserve protection.” The steering group noted these views.
It was suggested that a general statement might be drafted, to the effect that Class E use is the only appropriate class of use for this site if it remains as a business centre. This cannot be applied retrospectively.
Action: There will be a further meeting with the member of the public, above, as they are directly and personally affected by the site. Tim and Laura Soar will attend.
Action: Rachel Hogger will draft scenarios / parameters for future usage of the site, which could be incorporated in the NP.
Green Spaces
The proposals for green spaces and key local views received general support in the survey. There appeared to be disagreement about the inclusion of parts of Jaguar Drive in Badersfield, however no Badersfield resident completed the survey and the steering group felt that on balance it was right for this view to remain included.
There was considerable interest, in the survey, in the Feoffee Cottages in Buxton. The survey made clear how much people value the green space in front of the current houses. This space is currently private gardens for four of the properties.
The site currently has a designation from Broadland District Council as an important green space. Buxton with Lamas Parish Council has asked that this designation is maintained in the Neighbourhood Plan. However this designation may block the Picto Trust from redevelopment and prevent it from providing further affordable housing – aspiration that the Parish Council and the Neighbourhood Plan supports in principle.
Action: It was resolved that Rachel Hogger drafts scenarios / a policy specifically for this site which might enable The Picto Trust to build eight more “affordable homes”
whilst also retaining a significant green space at the front. We shall then write to the Picto Trust proposing a meeting to discuss these proposals so that any future policy for this site is co-designed and developed with The Picto Trust.
2) Next Steps
Rachel Hogger will continue to write a draft of our plan, draft proposed policies and
identify gaps in evidence.
Rachel will send as mjuch work ads she has been able to complete – particularly respecting the Feoffee Cottages – by August 10th.
Meeting of the NP ‘core group’ and anyone else who would like to attend pencilled in for 2pm on Friday August 26th.