Area of Separation (d) Between Cosby and Whetstone

Question

Answer

Question 3: Does the land contribute to maintaining the character and identity of either of the separated settlements?

Question 4: Is the separation of settlements being compromised by inappropriate uses or development?

Question 5: Does another policy prevent the settlements from coalescing.

however the land is otherwise undeveloped. The land to the south of Cambridge Road is visible from the stretch of road near the Whetstone Golf Course club house and views are afforded into the distance along this lengthy undeveloped open grassed area. Intervisibility between the settlements is restricted. The disused railway line and embankment and M1 motorway prevent views of the settlements themselves, and views of these features from each other are also obscured by mature trees across the land.

Yes, the open land serves as an intervening feature between Cosby and Whetstone, and the definition of settlements is reinforced by the disused railway and the M1. The open land provides a distinct open space that gives a sense of separateness, which can be appreciated when travelling along Cambridge Road and from PROw Z77/2.

The M1 is a built feature running through the land however the land does not otherwise include developments incompatible with the Area of Separation policy. The club houses of the golf course and football club respectively add to the built development in the area, although these are relatively isolated and modest in size, and are related to outdoor sport facilities (which in themselves provide openness).

Policy CS18 Countryside may be an appropriate policy to restrict development however this is weakened where there is unmet development needs. The policy also supports small scale employment development and Essential Dwellings can also be permissible, which could have an adverse impact upon the openness of the area. Policy CS15 Open Space would provide protection for the land identified as open space but this does not cover the entire Area of Separation.

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