Another council stalls local plan work in light of proposed planning policy changes

The council said the proposed increase in housing targets under a new standard method for calculating housing need set out by the NPPF consultation would more than double its housing target from 653 to 1443 homes per year.

News of the potential increase comes as the council awaits a response from its planning inspector concerning their findings from stage two, particularly her findings relating to the council's urban growth strategy which only delivers 263 home per year.

The Secretary of State for Local Government, Angela Rayner launched the consultation on changes to the NPPF last month.

The consultation makes a series of proposed amendments to the framework aimed at boosting housebuilding, including the re-introduction of mandatory housing targets, which would see housing delivery targets soar for the majority of councils.

Plans at the latter stages of examination will continue to be examined under the version of the NPPF they were submitted under, the consultation says.

"However, if the revised [local housing need] figure is more than 200 dwellings per annum higher than the annual housing requirement set out in the adopted version of the plan, upon introduction of the new plan-making system, the local planning authority will be required to begin preparation of a plan under the new system as soon as possible, or in line with any subsequent arrangements set out to manage the roll-out of the new system," the document adds.

In a statement Elmbridge said: "With its focus on sustainability and biodiversity, new homes and economic growth, the Elmbridge draft Local Plan is ambitious in its objective to ensure that Elmbridge remains a great place to live and work, while also representing the community’s desire not to build on Green Belt land."

It later added: "We will need to look in detail at the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system, to determine the impact on our draft Local Plan."

The Surrey council has become the third known local authority to pause its local plan in response to the NPPF consultation.

Earlier this month, North Somerset Council delayed consultation for the final draft of its local plan in order to consider the proposed changes.

While Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council stalled development of its local plan in July ahead of the launch of the consultation.

Adam Carey