Stafford Road Corridor Area Action Plan

Appendix CIssues which will notbe taken forwardDirection of Change - SupportingEconomic ProsperityIssueAim 19 - Creating Stronger Links between NewEmployment Development and the Local WorkforceIssues Paper CommentsSupport given for the need to provide local jobopportunities to support existing and future residents.Reason not to address this in the AAPWe believe Core Strategy policy EMP5 does all we canto encourage this. There are good transport links in thearea and new housing is likely to be attractive to ABhouseholds, whose skills will be well matched toemerging higher skilled jobs. The new NorthWolverhampton Academy, Science Park initiatives withthe University, etc. will help to facilitate stronger links.Can also be encouraged through EIG cycling / walkingimprovements and transport measures.Creating Sustainable Communities -Direction of ChangeIssues PaperAim 5 - Getting the Right Type and Mix of HousingConsultation CommentsType and mix should be based on needs of residents.Very little specialist housing stock in the area and weneed to support the needs of an ageing population. Donot feel there is a need for more flats, but more familytype housing (e.g. 3 bed houses) and bungalows. Sizestandards for housing should be considered.Reason not to address this in the AAPCore Strategy gives enough guidance and providesStafford Road with flexibility in delivering housing figures.No evidence to suggest we should plan for anythingdifferent. Accessibility modelling has demonstrated thatmost parts of the AAP area which have potential forhousing have good access to residential services in linewith Policy HOU2 of the Core Strategy and thereforedensities do not need to be restricted. Parts of Bluebirdand Fallings Park Industrial Estates currently havemoderate access for fresh food and schools, Thepotential for transport proposals to improve access inthis area should be explored and any necessaryinterventions e.g. footpaths, provision of local shops,incorporated into site specific policies for this area. TheCore Strategy ranges are considered in the housingdensities assessing the capacity for development inthis area.Issues PaperAim 5 - Getting the Right Type and Mix of Housing –Needs of Gypsy and Traveller CommunitiesConsultation CommentsNo comments receivedReason not to address this in the AAPWolverhampton currently has one 40 pitch gypsy sitelocated in Low Hill (in the AAP area), which is owned bythe Council and managed by the Gypsy Council. TheCore Strategy identifies the needs that need to beplanned for gypsy and traveller communities, bothpermanent and transit pitches.We do not feel it is appropriate to identify sites for gypsyor traveller accommodation in this AAP for the followingreasons:• The SHLAA does not identify any suitable sites forgypsy and traveller accommodation in this AAP.• Extending the existing Gypsy site was not consideredappropriate as it would extend its size beyond 40pitches which is not in line with best practice andcould make the site difficult to manage.• Requiring developers to provide gypsy or travelleraccommodation on housing sites through theiraffordable housing requirement could threatendevelopment viability.Issues PaperAim 6 - Providing the Right Level of Affordable HousingConsultation CommentsSupport AAP in providing an appropriate mix of housing,having regard to local need and affordabilityReason not to address this in the AAPWe don’t feel we need a policy on this. The CoreStrategy sets the thresholds for development to provideaffordable housing, and the overall targets we areworking towards. The AAP therefore doesn’t need apolicy, but will highlight the amount of affordable housingwe expect will come forward from residentialdevelopment sites, in line with known viability issues.Issues PaperAim 7 – Ensuring there are Facilities for the CommunityConsultation CommentsThere was recognition of the importance of ensuringenough community facilities are available for thecommunity and that new development may add todemand for these facilities.Reason not to address this in the AAPThe only identified need for additional facilities for theCommunity were for Primary Schools due to theOptions Report for the Development of the Stafford Road Corridor71