Land at Horton, Cheddington

CHE01: Land at Horton, Cheddington The site as shown on the Policies Map is allocated for an assumed number of 1,250 dwellings. Development will be supported where it: a) Makes the most of the site's location near a well-connected train station through an efficient and appropriate density of development. b) Responds positively to the Horton character area defined in the Slapton neighbourhood plan. c) Carefully considered the two different character areas of Horton and Slapton d) Ensures an appropriate landscape buffer with the village of Horton. e) Provides land and buildings for a 2 Form of Entry Primary School f) Provision of safe and suitable highway access from Station Road or B488 g) Secures a reduction in speed Limit on the B488 to 30mph, reflecting surrounding development. h) Constructs a Shared Use Path adjacent to the road. i) Delivers a section of the Horton Bypass in line with the requirements of the IDP. j) Delivers a new railway bridge and associated westbound road to enhance the existing station road railway crossing. k) Mitigates identified cross-boundary infrastructure impacts including but not limited to highways and education. l) Delivers safe, direct and attractive active travel connections to Cheddington station and safe crossing of the B488. m) Improves active travel links through the site by incorporating new and upgrading existing Public Rights of Way. n) A proportionate contribution is provided to off-site transport improvements which helps to facilitate a new bus route which delivers direct journeys to Aylesbury via Wingrave o) Provide a proportionate contribution to active travel routes improvements. p) Retains and enhances mature hedgerows and provides an appropriate landscaped buffer to the Grand Union Canal, contributing to biodiversity net gain and green infrastructure objectives. q) Provides a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) on-site unless otherwise justified. r) Provides suitable SANG and SAMM mitigation is in place in line with policies NE12, NE13, NE14 and the latest Mitigation Strategy. Permission will not be granted until SANG and SAMM mitigation agreed. s) Does not prejudice the delivery of the Cheddington NESS site. t) It is supported by necessary existing and new infrastructure in the area. 6.456 The site extends to approximately fifty-two hectares and is located to the east of Cheddington train station, and south of Horton hamlet. Cheddington train station is well connected, with direct services to Milton Keynes Central in less than 20 minutes and London Euston in approximately 50 minutes, providing good access to employment, education and leisure opportunities. 6.457 The surrounding land is agricultural. Horton lies to the north, with Cheddington station and the railway line to the west. There are a small number of existing residential properties within the site. To the east are agricultural fields and a kennels use, with further agricultural land to the south. 6.458 The site is in proximity with several designated heritage assets within Horton, including the Grade II listed Keepers Cottage to the north. Development has the potential to affect the wider setting of these heritage assets and could give rise to less than substantial harm (as defined by national policy). Proposals will be required to be supported by proportionate assessment, including a Heritage Statement and setting analysis, to clearly identify and assess impacts on significance. 6.459 Design needs to carefully consider different character areas and should consider the Bucks Design Code. 6.460 Appropriate mitigation, including landscape buffering, planting and sensitive layout and design, will be required to avoid or minimise harm where possible. The northern part of the site falls within the Horton Character Area in the Slapton Neighbourhood Plan. Development proposals will be expected to provide a robust green buffer to Horton and ensure that density, layout, scale and design respond positively to the defined character area and sensitively to the rural settlement edge. 6.461 The site is primarily accessed from the B488, which runs along and through the site. The route currently provides limited pedestrian and cycle infrastructure. 6.462 Development will be required to deliver appropriate upgrades to enable safe and attractive movement, including high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure in accordance with LTN 1/20 (or its successor). An alternative access could also be considered, where justified, from Horton Road to the west. 6.463 Public rights of way cross the northern and western parts of the site, and these should be retained and integrated into the development. The railway line forms the western boundary. 6.464 There are currently two bus routes- Red Eagle no.62 between Aylesbury and Long Marston with one service an hour and Star Travel no.167 between Ivinghoe and Leighton Buzzard operating on a limited weekly basis. Proportionate contributions will be required to support the enhancement of bus service provision, including improved frequency and connectivity. 6.465 Proposals will be required to make proportionate contributions towards necessary transport and infrastructure improvements as identified in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and future detailed assessments, to mitigate the cumulative impacts of development in the area. This will include, but is not limited to, provision of the Horton bypass, delivery of a westbound railway bridge and associated highway improvements to complement the existing level crossing, together with enhancements to bus services and active travel connections. 6.466 Developers will need to work collaboratively to ensure timely delivery of this infrastructure. 6.467 The site lies within the zone of influence of the Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Development is likely to generate recreational pressure and will require appropriate mitigation. Planning permission will not be granted until suitable SANG and SAMM mitigation is secured, in accordance with Policies NE12, NE13 and NE14 and the latest mitigation strategy. It is anticipated that suitable SANG could be delivered on-site.