Stratford-on-Avon District Council has released an interim update to its Five-Year Housing Land Supply (5YHLS) position, reflecting recent changes to national planning policy and a significant increase in Local Housing Need (LHN).
Following the Government's revision of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and an updated methodology for calculating LHN introduced late last year, the District Council's annual housing requirement has risen from 730 to 1,126 homes per annum.
In response, the District Council has reassessed its housing land supply assumptions, particularly regarding delivery expectations from key sites.
Despite these adjustments, the District Council is pleased to confirm that it continues to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, with the updated position showing a supply equivalent to 5.06 years. This ensures that the adopted Core Strategy retains full weight in the determination of planning applications.
Cllr George Cowcher, Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder, said: "This Council has a strong track record of delivering new homes, including much-needed affordable housing across the District. While recent changes to Government policy, particularly the significant increase in housing requirements, have impacted our supply position, we remain in a robust place.
"We are confident that we continue to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, and that our adopted Core Strategy remains fit for purpose. Looking ahead, we are actively progressing the new South Warwickshire Local Plan to ensure we can meet future housing needs in a co-ordinated, sustainable, and locally appropriate way."
The interim update maintains a base date of 31 March 2024, and a fully updated 5YHLS position, based on a 31 March 2025 base date, will be published later this year.
For more information please visit: : Five Year Housing Supply | Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
