It is difficult to establish definitive density requirement at the present time. This is a site specific issue that will vary based on a range of factors. Individual sites will be affected by different site constraints such as topography, size of sites, on site constraints and access arrangements. In addition, general requirements will affect density levels such as parking requirements, offset distances, green infrastructure requirements and drainage requirements. All these factors can significantly limit the net developable area of a site. It is important not to overestimate densities which could be achieved in identifying sites to be released for development as this would result in the housing requirement not being met.

We would suggest the policy should be targeted to provide densities at 30 to 40 dph net depending upon site specific requirements. This is a density range that is attractive to housebuilders and can be accommodated having regard to normal infrastructure requirements and site constraints.