On the 14 December, HBF responded to an initial survey conducted online by the West of England Combined Authority on the aims and objectives of the forthcoming spatial development strategy. Following the collapse at examination in 2019 of the Joint Spatial Plan, the Combined Authority resumed work on a spatial development strategy (SDS) for the sub-region. The plan involves the local authorities of Bristol City, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset. North Somerset Council is not a party to the Plan but is preparing a new local plan that aligns with and supports the SDS.
The issue of unmet housing need could very well be a serious issue for the SDS as the Government’s proposed figures under the Standard Method (SM) are greater in the three local authorities of the West of England, and particularly Bristol, than current local plan targets.
HBF’s response can be read here.
The Combined Authority aims to consult again on the SDS in the summer 2021.