We support the approach to produce a site allocations DPD in the event that a Neighbourhood Plan allocating at least the minimum housing requirement for each parish is not submitted for examination within 6 months of the Local Plan being adopted. However, we are concerned that the timescales for the preparation of such a DPD will delay the delivery of homes that are required now. We would request that the policy be amended to allow for the consideration of sites in suitable locations where a Neighbourhood Plan has not been submitted for examination.

Notwithstanding this, the policy should confirm that the housing requirements are minimum requirements to ensure a flexible approach that accommodates needs not anticipated in the plan, as required by para 81 of the NPPF.