Hartley Gardens Supplementary Planning Document
Planning applications
7.1. As set out in Section 1 of this SPD, the development of the Site will follow a comprehensively masterplanned approach following the Spatial Framework (Section 4) and Development Principles (Section 5). The Site is in different ownerships and TDC encourages collaboration between landowners in bringing forward and designing any land parcels that come forward.
7.2. This SPD cannot be prescriptive over the number of planning applications that may come forward within the Site, but again, encourages a comprehensive approach and collaboration. Section 6 sets out a method for infrastructure to be delivered equitably, in the right place and at the right time.
7.3. Any planning applications for the Site, or part thereof, will require pre-application planning discussions and pre-application engagement with key stakeholders, the latter in line with the community engagement principles below. This is fully in line with the pre-application engagement and front-loading principles within Section 4 of the NPPF.
7.4. Planning applications themselves will need to be accompanied by a masterplan as a basis for the proposals, and information that is relevant, necessary, and material to the application in question.
7.5. TDC will work positively and collaboratively with applicants to bring forward the development of the Site in accordance with the principles within this SPD.
Community engagement principles
Pre-application discussions
7.6. In accordance with NPPF Guidance, TDC recommend that for any phase of development, the applicant should enter into pre-application discussions (and if necessary, a Planning Performance Agreement) in order to ensure that the strategic objectives and wider spatial vision of the Site can be achieved.
7.7. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to engage directly with any relevant statutory consultees, including National Highways, Natural England, the Environment Agency (as relevant), and Sport England (as appropriate).
Design Review
7.8. Quality Review Panels are a well-established way of improving the quality of design outcomes in the built environment, and it is recognised in the NPPF, as quoted below:
7.9. "138. Design Codes. For assessing proposals there is a range of tools including workshops to engage the local community, design advice and review arrangements, and assessment frameworks such as Building for a Healthy Life. These are of most benefit if used as early as possible in the evolution of schemes and are particularly important for significant projects such as large scale housing and mixed use developments. In assessing applications, local planning authorities should have regard to the outcome from these processes, including any recommendations made by design review panels."
7.10. As part of the pre-submission phase, and in accordance with the NPPF and guidance within Essex Design Guide, the application for any phase will be expected to undertake a regional Design Review as part of the application process.
Community and stakeholder engagement
7.11. Pre-application engagement with the local community and relevant local stakeholders is also strongly encouraged, in accordance with National Planning Practice Guidance. There are a wide range of techniques and methods available to engage the community, each tailored to different needs and contexts. Some suggested techniques are listed below:
- Public meetings and workshops
- Focus groups
- Surveys and questionnaires
- Online engagement platforms
- Pop-up events
- Partnerships with local organizations
- Educational sessions and informational campaigns
- Interactive mapping and visual tools
- Mobile engagement units
- Translation and interpretation services
7.12. Applicants must place a particular emphasis on finding ways to engage with sectors of the community that are frequently underrepresented. This involves identifying and implementing effective outreach strategies to ensure these groups have a voice in the planning process. The outcomes of these efforts should be comprehensively documented in a Statement of Community Involvement, which must be included with any planning submission.
