Draft Interim Policy Statement for Housing Development

On behalf of Metis Homes

We support the Interim Policy Statement (IPS) which seeks to positively address the acknowledged housing land supply shortfall.
We are supportive of the intention to focus development in accordance with the settlement hierarchy and to promote higher densities in Settlement Hubs.

Criteria 4 emphasises the need to make efficient use of land and references paragraphs 123 and 137 of the NPPF in this context. Whilst clearly the existing shortfall cannot be made up without development on greenfield land, we feel that the criteria should be more explicit in prioritising development on brownfield land where possible.

In relation to Criteria 12, the delivery of housing through the IPS should be supported by the early advancement of a CDC administered nitrates mitigation scheme which can be accessed by developers seeking to bring forward suitable sites. We strongly encourage CDC to progress such a scheme in order that the IPS is effective in achieving its stated objectives.