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more than doubling the size of Shirenewton?Update Sat 4th Feb: The deadline for objections has now passed. Now we wait. I'll post more information as I get it. If you want to be notified join our mailing list.
On Friday 6th January the Community Council held a 'Open Meeting' to bring to the Community's attention a proposal which would result in an additional 200 - 500 houses being built to the North West and/or South West of Shirenewton. This page describes the facts as outlined at the meeting and how you can object (the original community council notice flyer with maps). updated 14th Jan 2012 - click here for latest
The information below came from the meeting and includes links to relevant Monmouth County Council website areas.
What is going on?
Monmouth CC is undertaking the development of a Local Development Plan ("LDP") which, when adopted will cover the period 2011 - 2021. This process, which seems to have started in March 2008, is coming to an end. Once adopted the document will define village boundaries which will drive planning decisions.
The Monmouth CC explanation for the current process is here. However, in summary, as part of the process Monmouth CC are obligated to consider proposals from landowners (and others) to include development sites in the LDP. Proposals to include the large fields by and below the Recreation Field in Shirenewton and the large field by Redd Landes (opposite the Rec) have been received by MCC and MCC is consulting the community on these proposals. For a map see the bottom of the flyer (flyer with maps). These are two separate proposals.
If you wish to express your opinion as to the desirability of these fields being included in the LDP you must give MCC your views in writing by 4:30pm on 3rd February 2012. See below for the ways in which you can give your views - hopefully these are objections!
Isn't this all a bit sudden?
Yes - but it's part of the process MCC is going through to complete the LDP and is the stage at which MCC has published their proposals and now landowners can suggest additional development sites. It should be noted that it's not MCC proposing that the fields be developed (see MCC's proposals below). It's an application by the landowner to MCC for the sites to be considered for inclusion in the LDP.
How does the figure of 200 - 500 houses come about?
It should be noted that there are *no* detailed plans. This is purely an 'outline' application. However, assuming that MCC would consider adopting one or both of the sites, the number of houses can be calculated on the following basis: taking the smaller site which is the field adjacent to Redd Landes at 8.2 hectares (20 Acres - the whole of Shirenewton is estimated to be only 17 hectares) and given that the landowner is proposing that only 50% of the land be developed for housing (the other 50% is proposed to be used for social/recreation use), and working on the basis that low/medium development (i.e. that which broadly represents Shirenewton at the moment) is 10 houses/acre the figure of 100 houses is obtained for this one smaller field (i.e. 10 acres * 10 houses/acre = 100 houses).
However, MCC guidelines says that in any such development 60% of the housing must be affordable housing. Affordable housing is typically higher density. Thus, while there are no detailed plans it is clear that the number of houses would be at least 200 and more probably nearer 500 or more for the two fields - this would fundamentally change the nature of Shirenewton and the surrounding area.
What has Monmouth CC proposed?
In the development of the Local Development Plan, MCC when to some lengths to calculate the housing requirement for Monmouthshire in the ten year period and to balance this requirement between urban and rural communities. It concluded that Shirenewton & Mynyddbach need an additional 10 houses and proposed that the land opposite the old village shop (in front of the barns) be the development site. This proposal was in the draft LDP and has already been consulted upon - you can no longer object to this. Please see this map from the LDP (PDF file).
How do I object to the current proposals?
To object you must do one of the following - please read the notes below as well:
Notes:
Remember: in your letter/email/etc. you must state that you are objecting!
Some of the reasons you may wish to object
The proposals to develop the land go against several MCC policies. These include maintaining and enhancing the distinct character of the Monmouthshire countryside; siting housing developments in villages where they are of an appropriate size and relevant to the local community and the development of a sustainable environment with infrastructure that can support it (the proposed development would significantly increase traffic, water sewerage, school places, etc.).
The proposals would significantly increase the volume of traffic. There are no local facilities and no decent public transport and thus all residents would need to drive everywhere for everything (shops/doctors/schools/etc.). A recent survey on traffic through the village identified that there are already over 900 car journeys per day between Shirenewton and Crick and 500 between Shirenewton and Earlswood. An increase in car journeys of this type is contrary to MCC policies of sustainability in the draft LDP.
The proposal to have 50% of the land given to social and recreation facilities would simply increase traffic further. Such social and recreation facilities would not be used by the village (it already has a football and cricket pitch used by Chepstow - not local - teams) and thus any use would be by people from outside the village and this would mean more car journeys.
Who would develop and maintain the social and recreation facilities?
The land for both areas is outside the village boundaries and the field to the south of the Rec (part of ASN031) is inside the Conservation Area.
MCC's own calculation of housing requirements across the county to 2021 for the LDP suggested that the Shirenewton & Mynyddbach needed to have a further 10 houses (at most) and thus a development of this magnitude is simply not required or needed by MCC's own calculations.
The village infrastructure is unable to accommodate such a large development. The water system (pumped up from Crick); the sewage system, the telephone system, etc.
For more information please contact any of our local community councillors details of whom are given here.
Remember: in your letter/email/etc. you must state that you are objecting!
14th Jan 2012: Added the following PDF documents: Monmouth CC Site representation register Landowner's application and associated documents
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