We consider that this target is excessive and like that set by the SEP (650 houses pa)– unachievable. In the period 2006-07 to 2011-12 the maximum number of houses built in any 12 month period was 434, whilst the average over the 6 years is 307.5 new houses.

We refute HDC’s key presumptions, which are that a pre-determined level of economic growth and job creation can be engineered and attained by building a specific number of houses, and that the economy will grow unabated at a pre-determined rate over the period to 2031.

Together with local campaigners we have successfully argued that new permitted development rights cannot be used to get round planning rules for inappropriate proposals in the countryside. In two instances, developers and landowners tried to claim that the new regulations (Statutory Instrument No. 1101) meant they did not need planning permission for their proposals. In one case, 13 new one-bedroom houses in a countryside location at Goose Green, Thakeham were proposed, in the other at Blindman’s Wood, Colgate, a derelict building was to become a wood processing equipment shop.

A careful reading of the regulations found that the Council must "have regard to the National Planning Policy Framework ... as if the application were a planning application". In both cases, after representations were made, the Council has refused the applications for prior approval and is requiring proper planning applications to be made.

Dr R F Smith (District Convener)

Jean Locker (Planning)

12 Oct 13