Havant Borough Council has expressed its concerns to Central Government in response to their “Planning for the Future” consultation.
The proposed changes from government would see the required housing target for the borough nearly doubling from 504 homes per annum to 963, as well as alterations to the Local Plan process and the Community Infrastructure Levy.
Many of these changes would have significant negative impacts to the borough, with the housing targets becoming unachievable if a new standard housing method is applied.
In the letter to Central Government Councillor Gary Hughes, Deputy Leader of Havant Borough Council and Cabinet Lead for Planning, Hayling Seafront Strategy, Commercial Services, stated: “The government’s proposed approach to Planning for Homes in the Right Places consultation recognised the importance of ensuring that proposed housing need is as deliverable as possible.
“Despite the council’s efforts in continuing to assess the suitability of sites to ensure the borough is able to meet its housing need throughout the production of the emerging Local Plan, this significant increase would be unachievable within the constraints that exist.”
Havant Borough Council is currently preparing its Local Plan and is due to submit this to the Inspector early in the new year.
To read the full response sent, download the Planning for the Future consultation letter.