Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulation Assessment

Comment

Representation ID: 6095

Received: 17/03/2023

Respondent: Countryside Properties

Agent: Turley

The SA asserts it would be unreasonable to test growth scenarios above LHN figure of 638dpa. However, if transport study conclusions are correct, this may not prove to be the case. As a consequence, these matters may need to be revisited through an update or addendum to the SA to ensure the SA process is found to be legally compliant, with further revisions and consultation on Policy H1 as necessary to ensure it meets the ‘positively prepared’ and ‘justified’ tests of soundness. This should be progressed prior to formal submission of Local Plan, with outcomes and actions (including any necessary revisions to the Local Plan) discussed with adjoining LPAs as part of Council’s legal Duty to Cooperate on strategic matters

A housing requirement figure significantly above the LHN has previously been considered (as set out in the SA report published at the time of the Preferred Approach Local Plan) but it was concluded that there would be significant negative effects.

The justification for not meeting the housing needs in full is set out in the Housing Need (July 2024) and Transport (July 2024) Background Papers. It is on this basis the Regulation 19 SA references it being unreasonable to consider an above LHN figure.