The Council need to consider the social and economic consequences of a stepped trajectory, namely the impact of unmet housing needs arising within the Borough over the first half of the plan period (i.e. 2020 to 2030). If suitable and deliverable sites are available now in sustainable locations, they should be allocated and the strategy amended to avoid or minimise the need for a stepped trajectory. Housing needs are arising now, and they should be met as soon as possible.
Given the negative consequences for the economy and population, any such policy will need to be clearly justified in order to be found sound. On the basis of the evidence and the availability of suitable and deliverable sites in sustainable locations, it is considered such a policy unlikely to be found sound.