Object

Representation ID: 4886

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Mrs Hazel Wilmshurst

Para 3.6.15 states that for Employment Land Need and Jobs “This proposal was made before the Covid-19 pandemic.” Consequently no consideration has been made of the reduced demand for office and retail space due to increased working from home and online shopping due to the pandemic. The shortfall of 5,000 units is excessive and the Green Belt land to be built on should therefore be reduced accordingly. As a result the Plan is not in line with the National Planning Policy Framework para 11a which confirms that “plans should positively seek opportunities to meet the development needs of their area, and be sufficiently flexible to adapt to rapid change;” as with changes in land use resulting from the pandemic. It contravenes paragraphs 3.8.42 and 43 which require Councils to maximise use of previously developed and under-utilised land and buildings, which could be used for housing.