SuV61/h1

See Rep 5215.

Policy SP1: Strategic Growth
We support Policy SP1 which includes provision for 9,704 new homes to meet the identified housing requirement of 8,822 and consider this to be an achievable level of growth for the County.
We would reiterate the importance of enabling appopriate levels of growth in smaller sustainable villages, such as Pendine, in addition to larger key settlements, to ensure these housing targets for the Plan period can be achieved.

Policy SP3: Sustainable Distribution – Settlement Framework
The categorisation of Pendine as a ‘Tier 3 Sustainable Village’ within the Settlement Framework is supported. We agree that locations in this tier are
suitable for housing allocations, as per paragaph 11.74 of the Written Statement. In terms of the distribution of growth in Carmarthenshire, we support the notion at
paragraph 11.72, which recognises that much of the County is rural and housing is needed in these locations, not just in the larger top tier settlements. Accordingly,
the Plan should enable and encourage incremental growth of smaller sustainable villages, such as Pendine, to support their local population and economy.
Increased housing supply should be supported in locations where people already live, to ensure that local people have the opportunity to buy homes and continue to live in these areas, rather than needing to move elsewhere within or outside the
County. This will be crucial to address one of Carmarthenshire’s key issues: ageing population and out-migration of younger and working age people.

Policy SD1: Development Limits
We wholly support the alterations proposed to the development limit boundary of Pendine, which now includes Curtilage of Nieuport Farmhouse (Candidate Site Ref: SR/126/004); the western part of Land adjacent to Crofters Rest (Candidate Site Ref: SR/126/001); and a small area of Land rear of St Margarets Park (Candidate Site Ref: SR/126/002), to form a slightly larger housing allocation at Nieuport Yard (ref: SuV61/h1).
The inclusion of these sites ensures that the organic growth of Pendine can be supported through deliverable, viable and policy-compliant housing schemes,
which will contribute towards meeting the RLDP’s objectives. The above sites (as well as additional adjacent land) lie within the ownership of the site promoter, Mr T. Pearce, and represent logical extensions to the existing built form of Pendine. We
therefore support that these sites present valuable opportunities for a suitable level of growth within this ‘sustainable village’ (Tier 3 as per Policy SP3).
Notwithstanding the above, we propose that the development limit should be extended further to also include the remaining part of Land adjacent to Crofters
Rest, to encompass the full site as per the candidate site submission originally submitted in 2018 (ref: SR/126/001). Inclusion of the full extent of the Land adjacent to Crofters Rest presents an opportunity to provide a modest amount of additional housing. The site is also entirely within the site promoter’s ownership, thereby eliminating any land ownership constraints to delivery. The total site is a rectangular parcel of land comprising approximately 0.5ha, which is currently arable/general agricultural land. The site is relatively free from physical constraints, with a flat topography. There is
an existing hedgerow bounding the site to the north, separating the site from the B4314 road. Other than this hedgerow, the site is free from other landscape
constraints. The site is not subject to any statutory nature conservation or archaeological designations, nor tree preservations orders. The site does not lie
within a defined flood plain (TAN 15 Development Advice Maps). We note that the site is located within a Special Landscape Area, however so is the majority of the built settlement of Pendine. Considering this, together with the
partial inclusion of the site within the amended development limits, the landscape designation is not considered to unacceptably constrain the future development of the whole site at Crofters Rest.
As demonstrated for the western part of the site (now proposed to be included within the settlement) the access track off B4314 can suitably be extended
eastwards to accommodate further housing. Inclusion of this land would represent a logical extension to Pendine that would provide symmetry with the existing
housing located immediately north of B4314 (detached bungalows) yet would not extend the built settlement any further eastwards than the existing situation to the
north. The site lies in close proximity to existing residential development in Pendine and
is therefore assumed to be capable of providing appropriate services and utilities
connections. In our view, the extension of the development limit to include the remaining land
adjacent to Crofters Rest within the forthcoming LDP, represents a viable and deliverable opportunity to provide an appropriate range and choice of housing to
meet small scale additional growth within Pendine. The allocation of the full extent of the site would also provide additional flexibility as to the size and range of units
that could be offered on site, to meet local demand in a sustainable manner.

Policy HOM1: Housing Allocations
In particular, we support the allocation of site ref: SuV61/h1 - Land at Nieuport Yard, for the delivery of 10 units. Part of the site already benefits from an
implemented planning permission for 5 units (planning permission ref: 2/21251).

Policy HOM2: Housing within Development Limits
We support Policy HOM2, which notes that whilst sites capable of delivering 5 or more dwellings are allocated for housing, there are smaller unallocated sites within
the settlement limits throughout the County which may be available for the delivery of small scale housing development. We support that proposals on such sites
should be permitted provided they accord with the relevant RLDP policies. Policy AHOM1: Provision of Affordable Homes We support the RLDP objectives for delivery of affordable housing in meeting the
needs of Carmarthenshire. We note that on-site AH contributions will be sought on developments of 10 or more dwellings, based on a percentage that rises
incrementally depending on the total number of dwellings proposed. Policy AHOM1 states that: “The affordable housing target percentage noted is a target
to be used as a starting point for affordable housing negotiations.” We would agree that among other considerations, viability should be taken into account when negotiating the amount of affordable housing contribution that should be sought for
any given scheme, to ensure the deliverability of market housing schemes.Policy AHOM1 also notes that: “Where adjacent and related residential proposals
result in combined numbers meeting or exceeding the above thresholds, the council will seek an element of affordable housing based on applying the above
target percentages to the aggregate number of dwellings.” Again, we would reiterate that this policy should be applied with careful consideration of the overall
viability of housing developments between the LPA and developers.

Policy SP16: Climate Change
We support this policy and recognise the importance of the Council’s wider goals to address climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
However we would suggest that, in terms of Policy SP16, the design requirements for small-scale housing developments should be no more onerous than the
relevant Building Regulations requirements, in order to ensure that proposals remain deliverable and viable to meet the identified housing need over the Plan period.

Remove site from Plan

Site SuV61/h1 – Land at Nieuport Farm, Pendine
Further to the publication of the above document, we have been asked by our Clients to
review its contents, policies and proposals and advise them of any aspects we believe would
unreasonably affect their aspirations and interests. In doing so we consider it necessary to
make a formal representation to the “soundness” of the Carmarthenshire Deposit Local
Development Plan in relation to the allocation for residential development at Land at
Nieuport Farm, Pendine (LDP Ref. No. SuV61/h1) under the provisions of Policy HOM1.
The proposed allocation has been fully assessed and in considering its context and
background (summarised below) it is considered that its continued inclusion will lead to the
Plan failing the 3 Tests of Soundness for the reasons set out below.
Site Background and Context
The allocation relates to the land shaded brown on the Proposals Map extract below and is
proposed for allocation in the 2nd Deposit LDP for the purposes of 10 residential units.
Plan A
(Extract of Proposals Map for Pendine and Land at Nieuport Farm Allocation)
As part of the current consultation process into the 2nd Deposit LDP, the Council have again
published a “Site Assessment Table” (2023), which provides details of the Council’s analysis
of each received Candidate Site submission and existing allocations within the current
adopted LDP. Proposed allocation SuV61/h1 was considered as part of this process and as
a result the Council concluded as follows:
“Site to be allocated in the revised LDP with reference SuV61/h1. The allocation includes a
parcel of land under candidate site SR/126/002.”
The “Site Assessment Table” 2023 also concluded Candidate Site SR/126/002 (making up
part of Allocation SuV61/h1) as follows:
“Part of the site to be allocated (site ref. SuV61/h1) to allow a more comprehensive
development associated with the current allocation SC13/h1. Otherwise, there is sufficient
and more suitable land available within the settlement to accommodate new growth;”
It is clear from the above that the Council considers that the site is deliverable for the
purposes of 10 houses. However, it is unclear as to why and what evidence the Council has
received to believe beyond doubt that the allocation of part of Candidate Site SR/126/002 to
an already undeveloped Allocation SuV61/h1 provides absolute confidence that the site is
deliverable.
The allocation is brownfield in nature with its topography being relatively level. The eastern
boundary of the allocation is bordered by the B4314 while the western boundary is
dominated by a large, metal shed and what seems to be a storage yard, as can be seen
from the aerial photograph below (outlined in red below).
Photograph 1
(Extract from Google Earth – June 2021)
Access to the allocation is currently gained via the B4314, that being the main road running
north into the Village of Pendine (see below).
Photograph 2
(Streetscene of B4314)
Outline Planning Permission was granted for residential development on the site in May
2004, under application reference W/07003. Since this date, reserved matters have been
granted in January 2010 (W/21251) while more recently a non-material amendment was
made to application W/21251 which was in turn granted in November 2011 (PL/02770).
The site was allocated in the Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan (2014) under
Allocation SC13/h1 (as can be seen below).
Plan B
(Extract of current LDP Proposal Map for Land at Nieuport Farm (Adopted 2014))
Despite having almost 10 years of support for the principle of residential development at the
historic allocation from the Council, not a single housing unit has been delivered to date.
Tests of Soundness
Based on the above information and the guidance documents provided by the Welsh
Government and Council itself, it is considered that the inclusion of the adoption of the LDP
in its current form with the inclusion of the allocation in question, would result in it failing to
meet the requirements of the Tests of Soundness, for the reasons summarised below.
Test 1 – Does the Plan Fit?
The allocation fails the test of soundness due to its inappropriateness with regards to the
principles of sustainable growth and so is in conflict with Paragraph 4.2.2 of Planning
Policy Wales (Edition 11) requirements of national planning policy.
Test 2 – Is the Plan appropriate?
The allocation fails the test of soundness as its inability to be delivered would fail to
address key issues set out by the Plan (housing supply). The Council’s decision to allocate
the land appears to not have been done so on credible or robust evidence.
Test 3 – Will the Plan deliver?
The allocation fails to test the soundness as the site is clearly unable to deliver any new
housing. The Welsh Governments Development Plans Manual (Edition 3) is quite clear
with regard to rolling forward allocations and states that allocations “… rolled forward from a
previous plan will require careful justification for inclusion in a revised plan, aligning with
PPW. There will need to be substantial change in circumstances to demonstrate sites can be
delivered and justify being included again. Clear evidence will be required that such sites
can be delivered”. No evidence has been presented to demonstrate a change in
circumstances to indicate the allocation will now be deliverable and so its continued
allocation would lead to the plan being deemed unsound on this basis.
In summary, we object to the inclusion of the allocation in question on the basis of the
above and that its inclusion within the Plan would result in the document being ‘unsound’.
We therefore respectfully request that this Representation be given careful examination, and
that the allocation be removed to ensure that the document passes all the relevant tests of
soundness.

No change to the Plan

Thank you for consulting Welsh Water, we welcome the opportunity to continue to engage in the LDP process and we offer the following representation for your consideration:
Issues Identification We note and welcome the inclusion of issue 23 regarding infrastructure capacity to support development. The availability of our infrastructure capacity is a key element – particularly in rural areas - in ensuring sustainable and viable development sites.
Strategic Objectives The availability or capacity of infrastructure is a key aspect in determining the sustainability of a settlement, therefore we support the inclusion of SO6 and SO14.
Strategic Growth and Spatial Options We note that the Council identifies a growth requirement of 8,822 new homes over the revised LDP period 2018-2033.
Preferred Spatial Option Whilst we are supportive of the hybrid option and are pleased to note that it acknowledges the need for development to be supported by a range of appropriate infrastructure, there will inevitably be certain areas – particularly in the more rural locations of the County – where water or sewerage infrastructure is limited in its availability.
Placemaking, Infrastructure and Cohesive Communities We welcome the sentiment of paragraph 9.43. Where there is insufficient infrastructure capacity and development wishes to connect in advance of our AMP capital investment, planning obligations or a commercial agreement are the most appropriate way in ensuring delivery of necessary supporting infrastructure. We also welcome the inclusion of paragraph 9.47 and further commentary can be found in respect of the policy INF4.
Policies
SG1: Regeneration and Mixed-Use Sites Please see appendix 1 for site allocation comments.
SG2: Reserve Sites We note that the reserve sites will only be released for development if the allocations fail to deliver the required growth, and that the decision to utilise the sites will be made as part of a formal plan review. As such we will be happy to provide comments regarding capacity to accommodate sites in due course.
SG3: Pembrey Peninsula Most of the peninsula is unsewered and does not have a water supply with only elements of the southeast of the peninsula currently served by either. As such, any proposals for development may require significant offsite water mains and sewers to connect to existing networks. Further to this, the Pembrey Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) that serves the southeast of the peninsula may require additional capacity to accommodate any further development and developers may need to fund reinforcement works at the WwTW.
HOM1: Housing Allocations Please see appendix 1 for site allocation comments.
SP6: Strategic Sites Given that both sites have extant planning permission we have nothing specific to advise.
EME3: Employment Proposals on Allocated Sites The following provisions are applicable to all individual development plots located within allocated employment sites:
• We will work with your authority to support sustainable economic development however your authority and potential developers should be aware that the obligations of a water and sewerage undertaker extends to ‘domestic’ supplies only. Where an employment allocation results in higher demands of water supply and/or trade effluent discharges we recommend and welcome early consultation with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water.
• The individual plots available for development can represent a substantial area of land for which the potential demands upon our assets are unknown at present. It is essential that we understand these demands to allow us to assess the impact on our assets. It may be necessary for water and/or sewerage hydraulic modelling assessments (HMAs) to be undertaken at the developer’s expense to establish where the proposed development could connect to the existing networks, and to identify any required infrastructure improvements.
• Water mains and/or sewerage infrastructure required for any potential development site can be acquired through the requisition provisions of the Water Industry Act 1991 (as amended).
• Welsh Water always has rights of access to its assets. Where there are water mains and/or sewers crossing sites then protection measures in respect of these assets will be required, usually in the form of an easement width or in some instances a diversion of the asset.
• If any development site gives rise to a new discharge (or alters an existing discharge) of trade effluent, directly or indirectly to the public sewerage system, then a Discharge Consent under Section 118 of the Water Industry Act 1991 is required from Welsh Water. Please note that the issuing of a discharge consent is independent of the planning process and a consent may be refused despite planning permission being granted.
SP9: Infrastructure The availability or capacity of infrastructure is key in determining a settlement’s sustainability as such we welcome the provisions of this policy in requiring development to ensure sufficient capacity is available or if not, that suitable arrangements are in place to provide the necessary capacity.
With specific regard to water and sewerage infrastructure, where there is insufficient capacity and where no reinforcement works are programmed within the respective AMP Capital Investment Programme, the requisition provisions can be entered into for water and sewerage network infrastructure. The requisition provisions do not apply to wastewater treatment works (WwTW) and planning obligations, or a commercial agreement, may be necessary.
We welcome the reference in the supporting text to Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs). Welsh Water is embarking on the preparation of developing Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMP) which Welsh Government may be minded making statutory in due course. Growth information is built into our DWMP and forms an important element of our planning which aims to understand how we will continue to deliver effective sewerage services and manage the proactive development of natural flood management for a growing population in the face of climate change and other challenges.
Critically the DWMP considers the impact of changing population on our assets and the subsequent effect to customers and on the environment. As such we believe that the DWMPs will play a role in delivering a holistic, prioritised approach to the management of our drainage and sewerage network in the years ahead, and will complement other planning documents including LDPs, the NDF, and SDPs. To maximise the potential benefits, we are continuing to work closely with our stakeholders and LPAs in the continued development of our DWMP.
INF1: Planning Obligations Where there is insufficient infrastructure capacity available to accommodate a site and development wishes to connect in advance of any AMP capital investment, planning obligations or a commercial agreement are the most appropriate way in ensuring delivery of necessary supporting infrastructure.
INF4: Llanelli Wastewater Treatment Surface Water Disposal We are supportive of the provisions of this policy and the supporting text; moreover, we are pleased to note that the matter has been given its own specific policy. We have also prepared a consultation response to the Burry Inlet SPG which provides further detail on this matter.
SP10: Gypsy and Traveller Provision - Please see appendix 1 for site allocation comments.

SP12: Placemaking and Sustainable Places We specifically welcome the inclusion of criteria k) in Policy SP12. Disposing of surface water in a sustainable manner ensures that it will not communicate with the public sewerage network, which protects the environment and ensures that there is sufficient capacity in the public sewerage network for foul-only flows from development sites. On the theme of SuDS, we welcome the inclusion of the supporting text at paragraphs 11.273 to 11.275 regarding the recently established SuDS Approval Boards (SABs).
PSD3: Green Infrastructure Network We welcome the provisions of this policy and the supporting text. The integration of SuDS as a Green Infrastructure asset is something that we are particularly supportive of.
SP16: Climate Change We are supportive of the inclusion of SuDS in new development and as such welcome the provisions of criterion b) of this policy.
CCH4: Water Quality and Protection of Water Resources we welcome the requirement in supporting paragraph 11.510 that the necessary infrastructure needs to be in place or will be provided to serve development however we would highlight that in cases where there are no plans in place for infrastructure improvements in our AMP investment programme, developers can pay for the necessary infrastructure themselves through the requisition provisions of the Water Industry Act (WIA) 1991 or via Planning Obligations Agreements under the TCPA 1990. It should be noted that the requisition provision of the WIA 1991 only applies to sewerage network reinforcement works, not to WwTW schemes. Funding to deliver reinforcement works at a WwTW can be delivered via Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
In relation to improving water quality, we are investing an additional £60m specifically to reduce phosphate in the five failing Special Area of Conservation (SAC) rivers in our operating area. This includes schemes at Lampeter and Llanybydder WwTWs that are due for completion by March 2025. In the next investment period 2025 to 2030 (AMP8) we will target investment with the ambition that none of our WwTWs are the cause of ecological failure. Through our phosphorus investment plan, we will have removed 90% of the phosphorus load from our WwTWs discharging to failing SAC rivers, playing our part in allowing these special rivers to meet their water quality targets and to relieve pressure on development restrictions. We expect to complete this programme of work by 2032. Whilst our investment will remove a significant amount of phosphorus from our sewage, in most cases it will not result in SACs complying with the water quality targets on its own. This is not something that Welsh Water can do on its own and it will take the combined efforts of all the contributing sectors to achieve this.

We will be engaging with our regulators and local planning authorities through the Tywi and Teifi Nutrient Management Boards (NMB) which can provide the governance, strategic direction and local intelligence/decision making needed if we are to be successful in relieving the pressure on planning restrictions and restoring river quality.
With regard to supporting text in paragraph 11.516, there are several locations within the County where we abstract water that is treated prior to entering the public water supply network. As such, we fully support the provisions in the supporting text of this policy in preventing the degradation of water resources.

TRA1: Transport and Highways Infrastructure Improvements There may be locations where proposed developments / routes pass over public sewers and water mains. Under the Water Industry Act 1991 we have rights to always access our apparatus and protection measures in respect of these assets will be required either in the form of an easement width or a possible diversion of the asset. We welcome early engagement once further detail is available.
MR1: Minerals Proposals We welcome the inclusion of criterion e) and k) of this policy.
We hope that the above information will assist you as you continue to progress the LDP2 and would encourage the LPA to continue to liaise with Welsh Water at each stage of the process. In the meantime, should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us at Forward.Plans@dwrcymru.com or via telephone on 0800 917 2652.