The post you are reporting:
Roger (#1183)
In my posting of 7 July 2012 #1024, I pointed out that with regards to schools, the NPPF p17 para 72 states that the Government attaches great importance to ensuring that a sufficient choice of school places is available to meet the needs of existing and new communities. LDC-Open Space Policy and Standards (LDC-OPS) requires designated play areas for developments of 15 family dwellings or more. The China Gateway International (CGI) Social and Economic Report p22 para 9.78 states that their proposed development anticipates having 1,572 residents and as I have already noted above (#969), CGI plan 705 residences. Regarding schools CGI P&R p31 para 7.16 says that local schools will cope.
Further, with regards to the Farthingloe proposal, a veiled threat is made when they say, about this implemented business park ... (should it) ... ever be built, much greater harm to (the) setting will occur (CGI-HS p66).
LDF DM 15 states that development, which would result in the loss of, or adversely affect the character or appearance, of the countryside will only be permitted according to strict criteria. Both the business development and CGI's plan for 52-houses and a 90-apartment retirement block will have a detrimental impact on the adjacent 1968 designated Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Moreover, CGI P&G p28+29 para 7.4 say that at a site-specific level their Farthingloe is particularly suitable for development proposed given that: The area at Farthingloe is well located in relation to the strategic highway network, which will minimise traffic effects in residential areas.
From the CGI company reports, it can be assumed that CGI expect the residents to work in London - see posting #1177 above. Because of the proximity of the A20, residents will go that way to Folkestone West or Ashford International for the train to London. For retail, entertainment and similar purposes it would not be wrong to expect them to do the same and therefore putting a question mark over sustainability.
As stated in paragraph 12 above, the Government attaches great importance to Green Belts (NPPF para 79 p19 and Section 9 pp19-21) and there is no doubt that if planning permission is given it will put the whole of the Farthingloe Valley in jeopardy of what, effectively, will become a ribbon development
The fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent ribbon developments. The essential characteristics of Green Belts are their openness and their permanence. By CGI's own admission to their shareholders in their earlier statements, CGI's final intention is a large-scale ribbon development along the Farthingloe valley and to purge Western Heights of its green infrastructure.
Lorraine
