Support

Representation ID: 8071

Received: 02/09/2021

Respondent: Howbury Hall Estate

Agent: Phillips Planning Services

Paragraph 1.7 notes that ‘The Oxford to Cambridge Arc Government Ambition’ document is currently silent on the number of new homes that are expected to be delivered by individual authorities within the arc.

This is of course correct, however, what is also very clear is that the Government expects authorities in the arc to provide a step change in housing delivery. The Governments ‘Introduction to Spatial Framework for the Arc’ as published in February 2021 places particular emphasis on seeking to address the lack of affordability of housing in the arc resulting from historic delivery which has not met demand. (Paragraph 1.21)

Paragraph 2.10 of the same document advises that the Government intends to plan for housing growth in the Arc, to ensure it is a great and affordable place to live and work. It also states that where local authorities plan for growth in their areas the Government will support this with funding for necessary infrastructure.

It is considered that the Plan to 2040 should include some kind of housing uplift to respond to the Boroughs position within the arc.

If a position is taken that as no precise numbers are yet known the plan cannot make any provision for growth associated with the arc it is likely to become quickly out of date and may again need a further review very quickly after adoption.

Building in an uplift at this stage even if some uncertainty remains provides flexibility and would represent positive planning for the arc.