2B Combe Road, Combe Down

We note that the LPA have considered that 6 dwellings are appropriate on this site and we are broadly in agreement. We would welcome a provision for self-builders in the purest sense i.e. individuals or community self-builders wishing to build homes needed for their own habitation rather than a self-build developer with buyer input. We would strongly recommend that any approval should be subject to the Condition that this land will count towards the Council’s statutory obligation to provide plots to meet the need identified on the Council’s Self-Build register. We have concerns that despite the best intentions the market will take control.

We are also concerned that the applicants’ design, sustainable construction and energy efficiency intentions will not be carried through into the Reserved Matters stage unless the Conditions of this outline application are inadequately worded.
The energy efficiency of new buildings is vital to meet climate change obligations, eradicate fuel poverty and lower home energy bills. The Government has set a target for all homes to reach EPC Band C by 2035.Therefore in principle any development granted consent on this site should meet EPC Band C so that no more homes built need to be retrofitted to make them more energy efficient. We would encourage the use of Conditions to set this standard.

We would also encourage the submission of an energy and sustainability strategy.
Furthermore we do not consider that adequate thought has been given to highways matters and to long-term woodland management (as distinct from landscape strategy).