The requirement for BANES Council to locate 700 new homes in rural areas, including Timsbury, has been called into question by the rejection of the West of England Joint Spatial Plan (JSP).
Independent inspectors appointed by the Government to examine the JSP, that visualises development until 2036, have expressed significant concerns and have cancelled further review meetings planned for the Autumn.
The inspectors consider that the problems identified are not ones which could be addressed by an early review of the plan and recommend the withdrawal of the JSP from examination.
They envisage that, overall, a very substantial amount of further work on the plan needs to be undertaken. This would be likely to involve the preparation of substantial amounts of new evidence, rounds of public consultation and significant policy decisions being made.
The inspectors suggest that this work could be most quickly and appropriately undertaken by the local Councils and West of England Combined Authority, working closely with the community and other interested parties, in respect of a new plan. They also note that nearly 60% of the plan’s overall provision for housing comprises existing commitments and will be delivered over the coming years irrespective of whether or not the JSP is adopted.
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