Susanna Gillman,
PlanningResource,
17 July 2008
The government finally published its proposed changes to the South East Plan today recommending only a modest increase in the number of homes to be built a year.
It has suggested a four per cent increase above the regional housing provision recommended by the independent examination panel bringing the total to 33,125 houses a year. This would be around 662,500 homes by 2026.
A consultation on the changes will now take place until 24 October before the DCLG finalises the planning guidance.
As well as the housing target, key elements of the draft regional spatial strategy are:
· Affordable housing will make up 35 per cent of total housing provision.
· The proposed strategic development area south west of Reading has been removed because of concern about flood risks.
· 22 regional hubs have been identified as the focus for housing, economic growth and transport investment.
· Plans to help tackle climate change and contribute to renewable energy targets.
· Rebalancing the transport system to promote sustainable travel with a greater emphasis on management measures.
· Strategies to maintain adequate water supply and quality, reduce waste and increase recovery and recycling.
· A co-ordinated approach to protect the Thames Basin Heaths and other key habitats from future development pressures.
A sustainability appraisal and an assessment under the EU habitats regulations are also being published alongside the plan.
However, the plan will need further review in light of changes since its was first drawn up in 2006 including the higher national housing target of 240,000 homes a year.
The National Housing and Planning Advice Unit recently published advice on ranges of regional housing levels to be tested, recommending up to 50,000 homes could be required in the South East.
The government said that it has agreed not to require an immediate review that given that the emerging RSS provides a stretching framework for housing delivery over the next few years.
But it will work closely with South East partners to develop a review timetable which takes account of the outstanding issues and the NHPAU's advice.
The regional assembly's original target of 578,000 homes and inspectors raised it to 640,000.
Newly elected regional assembly chairman Paul Carter said: "Government seems determined to show it has the power to over-ride the region's own realistic housing targets that balance growth with the need for decent infrastructure and protecting the environment. These new government targets threaten to destroy that balance.
"It is unacceptable to increase housing numbers to a level that threatens to be undeliverable - particularly in the current economic climate.”
The proposed changes to the South East Plan can be viewed here.
