4.64 The NPPF advises at paragraph 78 that local policy for managing development within a LGS should be consistent with policy for Green Belts. I am not satisfied that policy ECCN6 as drafted, in requiring compensation of an equivalent or replacement green space or funding of an alternative community facility if development of a LGS is permitted, is consistent with that guidance or national Green Belt policy. I am therefore modifying policy ECCN6 to delete the third sentence (PM23). 4.65 Providing the modifications set out above are made, I conclude that policy ECCN6 will appropriately provide for the designation and protection of LGSs, in accordance with national policy and guidance and the need to be consistent with the local planning of sustainable development, and in general conformity with strategic policies of the Local Plan. Accordingly, the Basic Conditions will be met. Issue 4 traffic, transport and infrastructure – 4.66 South Somerset is a predominantly rural district with subsequent diverse travel patterns and the Local Plan recognises that the car will remain an essential mode of travel. Chapter 8 of the Plan deals with traffic and transport issues in East Coker and describes pedestrian safety, school parking, traffic speeds and the hazards of driving along the narrow sunken lanes as particular concerns of local residents. 4.67 The Plan through policy ECT1 supports proposals that enhance existing walking and cycle routes and bridleways, provide new provision and connect with existing networks within the parish. Any enhancement of the existing network and new routes should be well designed, safe, secure, appropriately surfaced, accessible, suitably lit and kept car free. This policy is in accord with national policy in the NPPF which promotes sustainable transport and healthy communities and with Local Plan policies TA1 and TA5 that encourage cycling and walking through the provision of new routes and improvements to existing routes. It will contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. 4.68 Policy ECT3 encourages the provision of safe and suitable access and car parking in designated whilst discouraging on-street parking. Parking problems and congestion associated with drop off and pick up at the Primary School are highlighted in the Plan as a major local concern and policy ECT2 supports proposals to improve access and car parking as part of any redevelopment of the existing School and Village Hall site. However, the other proposed highway safety improvements projects are not land use planning matters and I am modifying the policy to delete them (PM24).
4.64 The NPPF advises at paragraph 78 that local policy for managing development within a LGS should be consistent with policy for Green Belts. I am not satisfied that policy ECCN6 as drafted, in requiring compensation of an equivalent or replacement green space or funding of an alternative community facility if development of a LGS is permitted, is consistent with that guidance or national Green Belt policy. I am therefore modifying policy ECCN6 to delete the third sentence (PM23). 4.65 Providing the modifications set out above are made, I conclude that policy ECCN6 will appropriately provide for the designation and protection of LGSs, in accordance with national policy and guidance and the need to be consistent with the local planning of sustainable development, and in general conformity with strategic policies of the Local Plan. Accordingly, the Basic Conditions will be met. Issue 4 – traffic, transport and infrastructure 4.66 South Somerset is a predominantly rural district with subsequent diverse travel patterns and the Local Plan recognises that the car will remain an essential mode of travel. Chapter 8 of the Plan deals with traffic and transport issues in East Coker and describes pedestrian safety, school parking, traffic speeds and the hazards of driving along the narrow sunken lanes as particular concerns of local residents. 4.67 The Plan through policy ECT1 supports proposals that enhance existing walking and cycle routes and bridleways, provide new provision and connect with existing networks within the parish. Any enhancement of the existing network and new routes should be well designed, safe, secure, appropriately surfaced, accessible, suitably lit and kept car free. This policy is in accord with national policy in the NPPF which promotes sustainable transport and healthy communities and with Local Plan policies TA1 and TA5 that encourage cycling and walking through the provision of new routes and improvements to existing routes. It will contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. 4.68 Policy ECT3 encourages the provision of safe and suitable access and car parking in designated whilst discouraging on-street parking. Parking problems and congestion associated with drop off and pick up at the Primary School are highlighted in the Plan as a major local concern and policy ECT2 supports proposals to improve access and car parking as part of any redevelopment of the existing School and Village Hall site. However, the other proposed highway safety improvements projects are not land use planning matters and I am modifying the policy to delete them (PM24).
east_coker_examination_final_report_100818.docx