PAPER F

For Decision

Committee: EXECUTIVE

Date: 16 JULY 2002

Title: URBAN CAPACITY AND THE MANAGED RELEASE OF HOUSING SITES

PORTFOLIO HOLDER – AGENDA 21 AND COUNTRYSIDE MATTERS

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to consider the Consultation Draft Urban Capacity Study and the Consultation Draft Phasing Report: Managed Release of Housing Sites and that they be released for public consultation, with the view to eventual adoption as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG).

RECOMMENDATION

That the Executive agree the Consultation Drafts of the Urban Capacity Study and Phasing Report for public consultation with a view to eventual adoption as SPG.

BACKGROUND

As part of the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) review, we have undertaken an Urban Capacity Study (UCS) to assess the potential of the settlements on the Island to accommodate new development.

Review of the UDP is required to fully take into account the implication of the revised PPG3 (Housing), and in particular the issue of phasing of development sites using the sequential approach as directed in PPG3.

PPG3 highlighted the Government’s commitment to promote sustainable patterns of development, by maximising the re-use of previously developed land. The reasoning behind such an approach is twofold. Firstly it will promote urban regeneration; and secondly it will reduce the amount of greenfield land being taken for development. The national target for the re-use of previously developed land is that by 2008, 60% of additional housing should be provided on previously developed land and through conversion of existing buildings.

The Urban Capacity document outlines the methodology used. It has been undertaken in line with Government guidance outlined in the DETR document “Tapping the Potential” (December 2000). The UCS has already been subject to an informal consultation with GOSE and other interested parties, to ascertain whether the there was agreement about the approach the Council were using. Several comments were received including comments from GOSE. The Consultation Draft (attached) includes revisions that should satisfy GOSE

The Urban Capacity Study shows that there will be a need for both brownfield and greenfield housing developments to meet the island’s housing requirements over the period 1996-2011.

In order to show that the release of necessary greenfield development is not compromising the opportunity to bring forward brownfield development sites it is necessary to consider how the release of sites will enable housing provision on the Island to be planned, monitored and managed in line with PPG3. This is undertaken in the phasing report that accompanies this report. It concludes that:

Given the findings of the Urban Capacity Study and the current time frame of the IW UDP (1996-2011) it is considered that some of the allocated greenfield sites in the UDP are now brought forward for development in order to ensure that the Island, whilst continuing to promote the development of brownfield opportunities within existing towns, does not fail to meet the wider objectives of PPG3 in ensuring greater choice of housing, meeting the needs of affordability. This will hopefully support future economic prosperity for the Island as a whole.

These documents were reported to Select Committee on 24^th June 2002, at which it was agreed that they be forwarded to Executive Committee for approval for consultation. It is intended to bring the results of the consultation back to the Executive for consideration during October 2002.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

Economic Development, Planning, Tourism and Leisure Services Select Committee report 24 June 2202

Contact: Dave Moore Wendy Perera

Principal Planning Officer (Policy) Senior Research Officer

M J A FISHER Strategic Director Corporate and Environment Services

B LAWSON Portfolio Holder Agenda 21 and Countryside Matters