SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 163
7.
v.
Access improvements to the wider Green Belt beyond the site boundary
vi.
Delivery of, and access to replacement sports provision
vii.
Biodiversity enhancements
viii.
Any other compensatory improvements that are considered acceptable
The Concept Masterplan document should be read alongside this policy. Whilst the
concept masterplans may be subject to change in light of further work that may need
to be carried out at the planning application stage, any significant departure from the
principles outlined for Site KN1 will need to be justified and demonstrate that the
overall objectives for the site and its wider context are not compromised.
Justification
710.
This allocation comprises two areas of land either side of Hampton Road. The smaller site to
the south of Hampton Road includes the current ground of Knowle Football Club. The larger
site to the north is agricultural land.
711.
The southern part of the allocation is immediately adjacent to the built up area of the
settlement and would represent a continuation of the existing development along Hampton
Road. The site is relatively well-contained and a defensible Green Belt boundary is provided.
712.
The site currently accommodates Knowle Football Club, which is seeking to relocate in order
to secure better facilities. This land is identified as a potential site for a care village or
retirement complex which would be acceptable in principle in this location. The site performs
very well in overall accessibility terms and there is good access to all key facilities in Knowle.
713.
The current playing pitches will need to be reprovided and available for use prior to the
redevelopment of the existing football club site. The preferred area of relocation is on land
between the new development and the canal, as shown on the Concept Masterplan. Whilst
the relocation proposals may contain elements that would amount to inappropriate
development in the Green Belt as defined by the NPPF, the existing sports pitches will be
used to bring forward sustainable residential development in this accessible location. It will
allow for new and improved sporting facilities to be provided in the immediate vicinity that
could serve the wider community. Sports pitch provision in this location will also facilitate
accessibility to land retained in the Green Belt and enhance its beneficial use by providing
opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation in accordance with paragraph 141 the NPPF.
714.
The Council therefore believe that ‘very special circumstances’ will exist to support the
relocation of the sports pitches and associated facilities. Notwithstanding this, development
proposals should be sympathetic to its Green Belt location, local context and character, in
accordance with other policies in the plan
715.
The larger part of the allocation to the north of Hampton Road also lies immediately adjacent
to the built up area of the settlement, with residential development already present on two
sides. The allocation constitutes a 'rounding- off' of the settlement in a logical manner by
continuing the Green Belt boundary on from the rear of the properties along Wychwood
Avenue, down to Hampton Road.
716.
The northern part of the site is located immediately opposite the front elevation of the Grade
I listed Grimshaw Hall. Evidence from the Council’s Heritage Impact Assessment recognises
the significance of this important heritage asset and identifies potential harm to its setting as
a result of development in the immediate vicinity. It is therefore recommended that
development should be confined to the western part of the site (as shown on the Concept
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