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ID sylw: 108266

Derbyniwyd: 07/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Spitfire Homes

Asiant : Harris Lamb

Spitfire Homes support the preparation of a joint Local Plan with a Plan period extending to 2050. Given the scale of the housing and employment requirement, and the recognition that new and expanding settlements will need to form part of the development strategy, it is good and positive planning to prepare a Local Plan that is able to address issues in the long term.
Whilst we have no objection in principle to the preparation of a two-part Plan, both Councils should be mindful of the impact that this is likely to have on housing delivery and the geographic distribution of development and this gives rise to a number of concerns.
It is appreciated that the Part 2 SWLP is intended to be a solution to this, by identifying smaller scale housing allocations. However, it is unlikely to be adopted for a significant period of time. Figure 4 – Timetable for the SWLP, advises that it is expected that Part Plan 1 will be adopted by December 2027. This timescale assumes a ‘smooth path’ and it is possible that the reality may be longer, and the Plan may not be adopted until 2028 or beyond. It is stated that the Part 2 Plan will be prepared following the adoption of the Part 1 Plan, but it is likely that it will take at least 3 years to prepare the Part 2 Plan (Stratford on Avon is still yet to adopt its Part 2 Site Allocations Plan, which has been in preparation since the adoption of the Core Strategy in 2016, we are concerned that this delay will be repeated). This would mean that there would be no Plan in place for smaller scale housing allocations until at least December 2030. Following the adoption of the Part 2 SWLP planning applications will need to be prepared, submitted, and approved and development commenced in order for completions to take place. There is, therefore, no plan-making basis emerging to support the delivery of small scale sites for a significant period of time.
This is likely to cause problems for the five year housing land supply positions of both local Authorities.
It is, therefore, our view that the Part 1 SWLP should include policies to facilitate the development of smaller scale sites in sustainable locations whilst the Part 2 SWLP is being prepared.
Any additional development arising from Neighbourhood Plans should be welcomed, but not replied upon.