Comment

Representation ID: 1249

Received: 10/08/2010

Respondent: Iceni Projects

As to the changes to PPS3, these are considered to be a material change that could fundamentally affect the principal aims of the housing strategy set out in the Core Strategy. As such, Colonnade considers that the Council will need to consider a review of the Core Strategy as a result of these changes as a minimum. The change in classification of backlands/gardens and the abandonment of the minimum housing density targets will act to further enhance the need to identify additional housing sites through the planning process. Quite simply, the Council will not be able to rely to any extent on the delivery of windfall sites, the level of development within the Town Centre and Central Area or further intensification of the urban areas to the extent envisaged in the Core Strategy. As such, wholesale changes will be required to the housing strategy to maintain a five and fifteen year supply of suitable, available and viable housing sites. It is significant that there has been growing concern amongst Council Members over town cramming and the provision of a large predominance of flatted developments. The changes to PPS3 do allow the Council to apply greater freedoms in the types and standards of housing (size and densities) sought, provided there is sufficient additional land supply identified to address these improved standards.