Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Proposed approach to developing housing requirements for Wiltshire.

On 6 July 2010 the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Secretary revoked Regional Strategies (RSS) by way of an Order laid before Parliament. In a letter from the DCLG containing guidance to all Local Planning Authorities (6 July 2010) it was confirmed that “Local planning authorities will be responsible for establishing the right level of housing provision in their area, and identifying long-term supply of housing land without the burden of regional housing targets.”

The latest DCLG guidance re-emphasises the need for Councils to ensure there is a five year supply of deliverable housing land within their areas. Under the previous RSS figures this has not been the case and has led to some disappointing appeal decisions where housing development has been allowed against the wishes of Wiltshire Council. This is because the Inspectorate has indicated that lack of housing delivery is an overriding issue. Even with the abolition of the RSS, the Council is still vulnerable to planning by appeal, especially in the north and south of Wiltshire, if steps are not taken as a matter of urgency to address this issue.

On Friday 23rd July 2010 at the Local Development Framework Management Board, a group that consists of Councillors and Senior Officers, Chaired by Cllr Brady, the relevant Cabinet Member, were presented with a report that set out the options available to the council for approaching the housing requirement for Wiltshire.

The Management Board, having looked at the options available, felt the most advantageous option for Wiltshire would be to revert to the housing figures as detailed within the Wiltshire and Swindon Structure Plan 2016, as an interim measure, and to immediately commence a comprehensive review of housing figures based on the most upto date evidence.

Whilst west Wiltshire is relatively 'safe' from developer-led planning appeals, the chosen option should ensure that the Planning Inspectorate supports Wiltshire Council against any speculative large-scale planning applications.