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A 'much as expected' answer.
Statement.
It has been reported that the government’s Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill will be amended so that ‘housing targets’ will become advisory. Councils will be able to set a lower level of home building if complying would ‘significantly change the character of an area’.
The suggested housing development north-east of Hilperton in the draft Local Plan Review would obviously be a significant change to the character of the area (from open countryside to an urban housing development) and also cause a significant loss of rural area.
Question (22-306)
In the circumstances, what consideration will Wiltshire Council give to the forthcoming legislation when it publishes the next version of the Local Plan Review next year?
Response
The Statement made on 6 December 2022 by Michael Gove as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities refers to further changes to the planning system alongside the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.
The detail of these changes including housing numbers in plan-making is due to be set out in an upcoming National Planning Policy Framework prospectus, which we have been advised will be put out for consultation by Christmas.
We will review these and consider our response in due course.