Object

Representation ID: 4894

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Mrs Hazel Wilmshurst

Para 3.6.15 states that for Employment Land Need and Jobs “This was produced before the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic.” Consequently there has been a reduced demand for office and retail space due to increased working from home and online shopping resulting from the pandemic. The shortfall of 5,000 units is excessive and the Green Belt land to be built on should be reduced accordingly. The Plan does not tally with the National Planning Policy Framework para 11a which states 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 also 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.