It is therefore suggested that the Local Plan states that development associated with horticulture coming forward in the Runcton HDA, or within the setting of the Runcton HDA, should be assessed against the Policy E4 of the Local Plan as opposed to Policy NE10.

The Council’s evidence base and Policy E3 acknowledges that substantial land outside of the proposed HDA’s will be required to meet the needs of the horticultural industry. This is welcomed.

The Runcton HDA, and surrounding land, is located outside of any settlement boundary area and is therefore defined as countryside by the Local Plan. In such a situation it is acknowledged that Policy NE10 would apply.

A number of the criteria of policy NE10 are not consistent with policy E4 of the Local Plan. It is therefore suggested that the Local Plan states that development associated with horticulture coming forward in the Runcton HDA, or within the setting of the Runcton HDA, should be assessed against the Policy E4 of the Local Plan as opposed to Policy NE10.