Of the three scenarios presented in the consultation document, it is considered that only the scale of development envisaged in Scenario 3 would begin to address the evidenced need for housing growth and development in the district. It is considered that Scenarios 1 and 2 are discordant features within the Consultation document, at odds with the Government‟s Plan for Growth and its „call to action on growth‟, and the thrust of up to date and emerging planning policy (PPS3, PPS4, NPPF).

It is pointed out that in the Plan for Growth and recent ministerial statements the Government is committed to reforming the planning system to ensure it does everything it can to support growth and rebuild the economy. Local authorities should be proactive in driving and supporting growth and identify the housing, business and other development needs of the area. Local authorities should also plan positively for new development and prepare local plans with sufficient flexibility to respond to rapid shifts in demand or other economic changes. The plan as presented in the consultation document would not acheive this.