BASE HEADER

The underlying basis of the Local Plan consultation is fundamentally flawed as it has had regard to the proposal to abolish regional strategies.

The consultation makes no reference to objective assessments of housing need, presents inadequate information to the local community on the need for housing, or consider the requirement to accommodate development needs that may arise from neighbouring authorities.

The thrust of the document is not aligned with the Government's 'Planning for Growth' statement. This Plan should be proactive in driving and supporting growth and make every effort to identify and meet the housing, business and other development needs of the area. Only Scenario Three attempts to address this.
Authorities should work together to ensure that needs and opportunities that extend beyond, or cannot be met within their own boundaries are identified and accommodated in a sustainable way. The LEP wish to be fully engaged in the production of a Local Plan which is fit for purpose, adequately making provision for development needs, placing top priority on new investment and jobs.
A pro-growth local plan should not be viewed as inconsistent with the overarching objective for sustainable development and can still ensure adequate environmental protection.


The description of Scenario Three is not balanced.

The background papers have not established the level of need consistent with the Government's objective that development plans are 'pro-growth'.

A further consultation exercise should be undertaken providing evidence as to the need for new housing and economic development so that responses may be made on growth options that are aligned to sustainable development principles.