BASE HEADER

It is clear that based upon analysis of the evidence base regarding household formation, housing need and the economic demand for new housing, that the level of development needed is at least at the upper end of the Options set out in the Local Plan consultation, if not higher when affordable housing need is factored in.

In this respect, delivery of housing at Option 1 and 2 levels would be significantly
below the level of household formation set out within the 2008 ONS statistics and even the Option 3 figure would be below the long term local needs for the Borough.

Importantly however, it is clear from the SHLAA that the district has the capacity to deliver higher levels of housing growth.

For this reason, WCC consider that it is the higher figure that should be planned for by WDC when assessing the appropriate level of housing to be provided within the district for the next 15 years and beyond.

WCC therefore support the adoption of the higher growth option (i.e. Scenario 3) set out in the Local Plan consultation.

The WCC owned site at Europa Way has significant potential to contribute towards meeting both the identified demand for housing and the acute housing need in the District.