Planning - Vale of White Horse Local Development Framework - Latest News
Minister says existing planning permissions can be considered for 5 year housing supply, whether building has started on not.
9 February 2012
The Vale of White Horse District Council's proposed Interim Housing Supply Policy is being introduced on the basis that they cannot meet their five year housing supply. This is blamed on the slow progress on large Vale housing sites during the recession.
However, in response to a parliamentary question from North Oxfordshire MP Tony Baldry, the Minister of State for Communities and Local Government, Greg Clark, has said that the Planning Inspectorate should take all existing planning permissions into account whether or not construction has started. He said:
"We want to strengthen the sovereignty of local plans and it seems to me that if councils have done their bit by granting planning permission, that ought to be taken into account by the Planning Inspectorate. I will certainly make sure that that point is reflected in the new framework on which we are consulting."
CPRE Oxfordshire believes that this undermines the whole basis on which the IHSP was proposed. We are therefore calling on the District Council to abandon the policy and concentrate on developing a robust and sustainable long-term approach through the Core Strategy currently under discussion.
CPRE Oxfordshire submits Freedom of Information requests re Vale's Interim Housing Supply Policy.
30 January 2012
CPRE Oxfordshire believes that around 200 responses were sent in to the Vale of White Horse District Council's consultation on their proposed Interim Housing Supply Policy. In addition, we understand around 120 screening requests for development have already been submitted under the policy. CPRE has been asking since before Christmas to see this information.
Having initially been told we would be welcome to go in and read the files, our visit was then postponed several times and we have now been told we will not be given access to the information until after the Cabinet has reviewed it all in March.
Our concern is that many of the responses criticised the outline process for the IHSP, and yet that process is already in full swing. In addition, with 120 screening requests submitted, many communities are in for a nasty surprise when they discover the level of potential development being sought for their local green fields and open spaces.
Today, CPRE has therefore submitted Freedom of Information requests asking to see both the responses and the screening requests, so that we can get a clear picture of what local communities are asking for and what they might be getting. The Council has 20 days to comply. Watch this space!
See: CPRE IHSP Consultation Response November 2011.pdf
CPRE Oxfordshire objects to Vale's Interim Housing Policy.
November 25th 2011
In its response to the Vale's consultation on its Interim Housing policy, which closes today, CPRE has strongly opposed the plan to open villages to what could be "injurious and undesirable development." In particular, CPRE has argued that "any policy to relax building constraints on greenfield sites should provide complete protection of the AONB, as well as the Green Belt."
See: CPRE IHSP Consultation Response November 2011.pdf
'Quick development could mean long-term pain for villages in the Vale' says CPRE.
November 15th 2011
The Vale District Council is holding a consultation on its Interim Housing Supply Policy which CPRE believes will make villages vulnerable to quick, poorly planned development that would have a long-term impact on villages and communities.
The Vale’s new Policy outlines the District Council’s proposals to deal with a temporary shortfall in its five year housing supply, caused largely by delays in major development sites at Grove and Didcot. The consultation closes on 25th November.
CPRE believes the Vale’s Interim Housing Supply Policy will relax planning regulations protecting greenfield sites in order to encourage quick developments, with little consideration given as to whether towns and villages have the necessary infrastructure and facilities to accommodate this.
See: Press Release - Vale Interim Housing Supply Policy - November 2011.pdf
Vale District Council to undertake a ‘root and branch review’ of housing targets and sites in emerging Core Strategy
30 June 2011
On 30th June, the Leader of the Vale council, Matthew Barber announced that the Vale will be undertaking a “root and branch review” of the housing targets and sites in the emerging Core Strategy.
“We recognise the need for housing growth, both to meet Vale needs and to support the local economy. We are committed to making existing sites such as the former airfield at Grove a reality in order to deliver benefits for the community and to ensure a supply of housing for the next five years and beyond. Our review will be sensitive to the needs of community and will have to balance the genuine concerns of residents and the need to bring investment and infrastructure to the Vale for the benefit of everyone. This is a significant task. We aim to decide by the autumn how best to progress the Core Strategy and on possible measures to improve housing delivery.”
There will be further public consultation before the VoWH Core Strategy is submitted to the Government.