H3 - Alternative Options

This policy must provide sufficient flexibility to allow for sites to come forward pre-2021 to make up any shortfall from the Policy H2 sites.

Full Text
There is no evidence or explanation to identify why the specific locations set out in H3 have been selected.

The explanation as to why the Alternative Option has been disregarded appears to suggest that an oversupply of housing might result and that the Council wishes to ensure adequate infrastructure, employment and other services outlined in the CS come forward in a timely manner.

The adoption of an attitude that views the concept of an oversupply of housing as being something that the authority should guard against is at odds with Government advice and regional policy. RSS 14 encourages maximum delivery; there is no ceiling on housing delivery. Planning authorities are encouraged to develop housing policies in DPDs that maximise housing delivery; there is no justification in adopting a cautious approach.

The explanation as to why the Alternative Option was not preferred, talks about the need for adequate employment and infrastructure being secured ahead of residential growth. However, there is no mechanism in the Core Strategy, which aligns employment development with housing delivery rates. Equally, there is no off-site infrastructure identified in Appendix H1, which impacts on numerous releases of land. The Council's reasons for departing from the Alternative Option are not adequately justified.

How is this an alternative option?