Object

Representation ID: 43864

Received: 05/10/2021

Respondent: Taylor Wimpey

Agent: Pegasus

7.5 Policy HOU2 refers to housing density, type and accessibility. It sets out that density requirements will be dependent on accessibility standards. It also refers to developments providing a range of house types and sizes that will meet accommodation needs of existing and future residents "in line with the most recently available information". It would be helpful if the policy identified what sources of information would be utilised to identify the range of house types and sizes being required, such as an up-to-date Strategic Housing Market Assessment ('SHMA') or housing needs survey.
7.6 In terms of accessibility standards, it identifies a number of key services/ facilities which should be provided within certain distances from development. Whilst Taylor Wimpey does not necessarily object to these, the Plan should clarify the evidence upon which the travel times are based (notwithstanding that some clarification is provided at paragraph 6.17), and the mode of travel (walking is assumed).
7.7 The Black Country Housing Market Assessment 2021 is referred to in the supporting text regarding housing mix and extracts from it set out detailed percentages for each type of accommodation and tenure. In order to provide suitable flexibility in the market and in particular to reflect the location of specific sites, the supporting text and policy should both make clear that these figures are a guideline and will be informed by other evidence dependent on-site location and specifics applying at the time that planning applications are determined. Currently the text is overly prescriptive and inflexible.