Study the map of Frome, Somerset overleaf. Write a letter to advise the local planning department as to which site, a new housing estate should be built on. Justify your choice of site.      [12]

Exemple answer:

To Chair of Planning

I have chosen Site A for the housing development because, firstly, it is conveniently located less than 800 metres from the CBD. As a result, this would allow for easy access to jobs and services from the housing estate. Secondly, the site provides easy access both in and out of Frome via the B3090. This will allow commuters to access employment out of town. In addition, there is a school beside the site. This will minimise the congestion at peak times as parents will be able to walk their children to school rather than driving. Furthermore, as Site A would be classified as a Brownfield site, the planning application process should be simpler compared to a Greenfield site as local councils wish to develop existing sites rather than creating new ones on the outskirts of towns on green belt land.

I appreciate that building in the centre of town may add to congestion on the already busy roads, However I feel that it is better to use the land available in the centre of the town before building on Greenfield sites on the outskirts.

Sites B and C are both Greenfield sites. This means that planning consent may be harder to get. Both sites are next to a main road or railway line. Consequently, there is a risk of noise and visual pollution which could impact on the popularity of the housing estate. Site C at 49,02 is located on a hill according to the Ordnance Survey map. This means that it will cost more money to prepare the land and build the houses. Furthermore, because the site is on the edge of the town, approximately 2km from the centre. Therefore it restricts access to the shops and services in the town centre, particularly for low income families and the elderly who may not have their own transport.

Environmentally, building on the Greenfield sites at B and C is undesirable. As more land in the UK is built on, the amount of available green space is diminishing. The creation of a new housing estate at B and C will need new roads and other services. As a result, there will be a negative impact on the environment and a rise in air pollution from the increase in traffic.

Mark Scheme

L1      0-4 marks - Basic description of site with some pros and cons

L2      5-8 marks - Detailed descriptions of the pros and cons with some basic reasons

L3      9-10 marks - Detailed descriptions and explanations of choice together with elaboration and reference to map, may include reasons for rejecting other two sites

L4      11-12 marks - Justification of choices made together with all of the above. Reasons for rejecting the other sites included along with some evaluation

D.Drake 2009