BASE HEADER

No

ID sylw: 108279

Derbyniwyd: 05/03/2025

Ymatebydd: David Kinnesley

Asiant : Fisher German

2.27 No, we do not agree with this approach for the reasons set out below. We set out the compelling justification for commensurate growth down the spatial hierarchy in relation to Draft Policy Direction 1.

2.28 Fundamentally, any policy which relies on Neighbourhood Plans to make allocations is not likely to be effective as ultimately the Council cannot control whether Neighbourhood Plans will be forthcoming and it will essentially reward communities for not making a Neighbourhood Plan which is clearly inappropriate. Should the Council wish to rely on this approach, the Policy must be extended so that if a Neighbourhood Plan has not been made within 2 years of adoption of the Plan then housing needs for the settlement can be positively met through applications, including appropriate development in the Green Belt in applicable settlements in accordance with the latest Policy and guidance. This ensures that rural development and the benefits it brings is not wholly reliant on Neighbourhood Plans which ultimately may never come forward.

2.29 The suggestion that the SWLP may identify a number of small sites in order to ensure provision of a 5-year housing land supply and meet the requirement in the NPPF for at least 10% of the housing requirement to be accommodated on sites no larger than one hectare is sensible and again more pragmatic and secure than waiting for Neighbourhood Plan’s which would provide limited 5-year land supply benefit.

2.30 In relation to small scale allocations in the Green Belt, the Council must ensure that it follows the sequential approach of the NPPF 2024 in respect of the use of Grey Belt land ahead of non-Grey Belt Green Belt land.