• The document was prepared on May 1, 2024.

• The assessment was conducted by Pegasus Group on behalf of Bargate Homes to review the current five-year housing land supply (5YHLS) position in East Hampshire.

• The review follows the publication of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in December 2023.

• It references a recent appeal decision for land at Mount Royal, 46 Lymington Bottom, Four Marks, Alton (Appeal Ref: APP/M1710/W/23/3329928).

• According to the Council’s statement in October 2023, there is a supply of 2,198 homes, equating to a 4.74-year supply.

• The appellant (developer) and the Inspector found the supply to be only 3.59 years based on their assessment, with 1,664 homes deemed deliverable.

• Pegasus Group suggests a further reduced supply of 3.47 years.

• The Council’s initial figure of 2,198 homes was corrected to 1,994 homes.

• The Inspector agreed with the appellant’s assessment, discounting homes due to various issues like undetermined planning permissions and overestimated delivery rates.

• Pegasus Group concurred with the Inspector’s assessment but made further adjustments, including correcting the supply arising from C2 uses and questioning the assumed lapse rate for small sites.

• The housing land supply should be assessed against the minimum local housing need of 464 homes per annum (hpa), as calculated using the Standard Method.

• The current five-year requirement is 2,320 dwellings (464 hpa x 5).

• East Hampshire does not need to apply a 20% buffer as the latest Housing Delivery Test result was 112%, indicating no significant under-delivery.

• The Council is unable to demonstrate a four-year housing supply, falling short at only 3.59 years.
  Pegasus Group further adjusts this figure to 3.47 years.

• As a result, the most important policies for determining residential planning applications are out-of-date.

• Planning permission should be granted unless adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.

• There is an increased need for additional housing to restore a four-year housing land supply.

• Revised NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework): The assessment follows the publication of the revised NPPF, highlighting how national planning policies impact local decisions.

The document references the revised NPPF published in December 2023, indicating the national policy context in which local planning decisions are made. This framework sets out the government’s planning policies for England and how these should be applied, emphasising sustainable development.

• Paragraph 11 of the NPPF: Paragraph 11 sets out the presumption in favour of sustainable development. This is a key consideration in planning decisions, particularly when local plans are outdated or when housing supply targets are not met. The document uses Paragraph 11 to argue for the approval of new housing developments unless adverse impacts significantly outweigh the benefits.

• Housing Land Supply Requirement: The document’s focus on the five-year housing land supply (5YHLS) directly relates to local planning policies and their compliance with national standards.

The requirement to maintain a five-year housing land supply is a fundamental aspect of local planning policies. The document’s analysis highlights the current shortfall in East Hampshire, showing the council’s difficulty in meeting this national policy requirement.

• Accuracy of Housing Supply Figures: Ensures that the planning authority bases its decisions on reliable and accurate data.

The appeal decision and Pegasus Group’s assessment highlight discrepancies in the council’s housing supply calculations. Ensuring accurate and reliable data is crucial for transparent and accountable planning decisions. The document calls for thorough verification of housing supply figures, reflecting the planning authority’s responsibility to base decisions on robust evidence.

• Current Five-Year Housing Land Supply: The figures on the availability and deliverability of housing land supply pertain to land use considerations within the planning area.

The assessment’s findings regarding the supply of deliverable homes directly impact land use planning. The need to allocate sufficient land for housing development is essential to address housing shortages and manage land resources effectively.

• Housing Need and Requirements: The assessment of housing needs against local housing requirements reflects land use planning strategies.

The calculated need for 464 homes per annum, based on the Standard Method, informs local land use decisions. Meeting these needs requires identifying suitable land for development, balancing this with other land use priorities, and ensuring appropriate infrastructure.

• Need for Additional Housing: Emphasising the need for additional housing to restore the four-year housing land supply aligns with economic benefits by addressing housing shortages and supporting local economic growth.

Addressing the housing supply shortfall has significant economic benefits. Increasing the housing stock can stimulate local economies by attracting new residents, supporting construction jobs, and enhancing local services and amenities. The document underscores the economic necessity of approving additional housing developments to meet demand.

• Impact on Local Infrastructure: Although not explicitly detailed in the summary, the broader implications of housing development on local infrastructure and services are a material consideration. Increased housing supply requires supporting infrastructure, which is implicitly linked to this assessment.

Although the document primarily focuses on housing supply, the implications for local infrastructure and services are implicit. Increased housing will necessitate investments in roads, schools, healthcare, and utilities to support the growing population. This consideration is crucial for sustainable development and ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with housing growth.

• Sustainable Development: The principle of sustainable development is central to the NPPF and the discussion of planning permissions under Paragraph 11, which emphasises sustainable growth.

The NPPF’s emphasis on sustainable development is central to the assessment. Paragraph 11 of the NPPF, which sets the presumption in favour of sustainable development, is particularly relevant. Ensuring that new housing developments are sustainable in terms of environmental impact, resource use, and community integration is a key planning consideration.

• Impact on Local Community: Indirectly, the document touches on residential amenity by considering the cumulative effects of housing developments on the local community.

The cumulative impact of housing developments on the local community is an important aspect of residential amenity. The document suggests that piecemeal development can lead to significant adverse impacts if not properly managed and assessed collectively. Ensuring that new developments enhance rather than detract from the quality of life for existing and future residents is a critical consideration.

• Accuracy of Housing Supply Figures: The accuracy and reliability of the Council’s housing supply figures, as challenged by the appeal decision and Pegasus Group’s assessment, reflect the local planning authority’s responsibilities and accountability in planning matters.

The appeal decision and Pegasus Group’s assessment highlight discrepancies in the council’s housing supply calculations. Ensuring accurate and reliable data is crucial for transparent and accountable planning decisions. The document calls for thorough verification of housing supply figures, reflecting the planning authority’s responsibility to base decisions on robust evidence.