The protection of Hart’s towns and villages from inappropriate development has been further strengthened by new data on future housing supply.
Hart, like all local authorities, is required to demonstrate it has a five-year supply of housing land under national planning policy. A new report shows that the district has a healthy supply for the next 10 years, rather than the required five.
This is good news for residents because it strengthens the Council’s position to refuse planning permission for homes contrary to the Local Plan. The Plan, adopted in 2020, provides policies to protect our greenfield sites, ensuring that the design of new buildings is of high quality while safeguarding the environment.
Councils which cannot prove they have a five-year supply find it more difficult to block planning applications for new homes in inappropriate locations.
Councillor Graham Cockarill, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “Because we have a robust Local Plan and a good supply of housing land, we are in a very good position to ensure any development meets the community’s needs.
“The findings of the housing supply report will help make sure we get the right type of development as detailed in the Local Plan.
"Having a strong supply of new housing helps contribute to our overall vision to provide more affordable homes for current and future residents.”
1 September 20022