The South East plan, no district housing distribution, June 2004

16 June, 2004

The South East plan is the term used for the review of RPG9. It has been stated publicly that its first draft will not contain a housing distribution down to district level when published for consultation at the beginning of 2005.

At a liaison meeting between HBF and the Kent planning officers group on 16 June, Leigh Herington Kent's county planning officer, who chairs the SEERA South East Plan housing working group stated that it would only produce a distribution down to county/sub-region level.

HBF expressed serious concerns, as it is contrary to the government's objectives for RSS set out in draft PPS11. Paragraph 4.6 stresses the importance of RSS establishing the distribution of housing down to district level.

HBF also suggested that it was contrary to the government's stated objective of increased participation and stakeholder consultation inherent in the emerging planning system for the consultation draft of the plan not to introduce district housing distribution until it is placed before the secretary of state.

Additionally, it will have knock-on effects particularly for local planning authorities meeting the government's LDF production timetable. It also has implications for housing delivery, as LDFs will have to be prepared in the context of the emerging structure plan. This proposes housing numbers that are extremely low, given more recent government pronouncements in the sustainable communities plan and taking into account the implications of the Barker report.

A representative from GOSE was present at the meeting and promised to take these concerns back to his colleagues. However, HBF will be taking this matter up directly with both the government office and ODPM, as well as SEERA itself.

Further Information:

pete.errington@hbf.co.uk(Pete Errington)

HBF regional planer for the southern region

Tel: 023 8067 1030