This will take the form of a new Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), which will be essentially the “growth strategy” for the region, and the current thinking is that it needs to account for between 88,500 and 125,000 new dwellings. The SDS will set out the quantum amount of growth required, and the broad locations for that growth (but it won’t allocate specific sites).
It is important for landowners to be aware of this emerging strategy, and have their say in the forthcoming public consultation following release of the draft Plan, which is due tto take place in the second half of 2021. Visit https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/have-your-say-on-the-future-development-of-the-west-of-england-region/ for the latest updates.
At the same time, new Local Plans in the region will be produced in cooperation with WECA (so that in effect there is a seamless run between them. The SDS will be produced first, with the Local Plans (LPs) following soon after. It will be LPs that will produce specific site allocations for major development sites (in accordance with the growth strategy as set out in the SDS). In the case of South Gloucestershire Council, they have undertaken a Call for Sites (Cfs) process which enabled landowners / developers to put their land forward for consideration. This is important, as in considering where to allocate growth areas the Council need to understand what land is readily available.
For further details, and notification of further ‘Call for Sites’ consultations, please contact Chris Dance at LPC (Trull) Ltd by emailing Chris.Dance@lpctrull.com or telephone (01285) 841433.