The Regional Assembly have commissioned <i>Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners</i> to formulate a methodology for the forthcoming RSS. HBF strongly object to the proposed methodology of using urban capacity as a starting point for calculating housing requirement and distribution. It is likely that other regions will implement the methodology when producing their RPG.
HBF are seeking to fundamentally change the proposed methodology. Our view is for population to be a starting point for calculating the distribution of new housing, and suggest that Urban Potential is considered with equal weighting alongside factors such as economy, transportation and sustainability.
Whilst a revised draft methodology was expected January 2004, further negotiations have taken place and the Regional Assembly have appointed Baker Assoicates to undertake an audit of Urban Capacity Study's in the region. The findings of this study will then feed back into the RSS methodology report.
The Audit of Urban Capacity Study's is expected to be complete by mid May, and we shall see where this takes us in terms of the methodology into the scale and distribution of housing in the region.
For further information please contact Mark Johnson on 01904 557 624 or at mark.johnson@hbf.co.uk