Assign a housing figure to Birdham to reflect the housing need.

Policy H3 prescribes each parish with a housing figure, many of which has been significantly reduced from the previous iteration of the draft Local Plan. In relation to Birdham, the figure has been reduced from 125 to zero.

As part of the preparation of the Birdham Neighbourhood Plan a parish housing needs assessment was undertaken. A report by AECOM on the assessment findings was published in January 2021. The report estimated a need for 43 affordable rented properties over the plan period (2020-2035), or 3 dwellings per year. The report also estimated a need for 26 shared ownership dwellings.

This quantum of affordable housing provision is more likely to be provided as a proportion of an open market housing scheme. On the basis of 30% of units provided as affordable houses, 230 houses would need to be built between 2020 and 2035 to ensure this number of affordable homes are delivered. A housing figure closer to this number for the parish of Birdham should be considered.

Whilst the Local Plan cites A27 capacity issues as the reason for reduced housing provision on the peninsula, housing need remains high. Given the unaddressed housing need that also exists within the wider district, it is reasonable to assume that much of the capacity issues can be attributed to commuting traffic caused by a lack of available local housing. By providing housing in locations with good public transport connections and where cycling to work is a realistic option, commuting traffic can be reduced.