2. It provides a framework within which locally-prepared plans for housing and other development can be produced.
3. Planning law requires that applications for planning permission be determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
4. The National Planning Policy Framework must be taken into account in preparing the development plan and is a material consideration in planning decisions.
5. One element of the National Planning Policy Framework is the delivery of a sufficient supply of homes. 2MHCLG, National Planning Policy Framework. (2019), Section 5
6. To determine the minimum number of homes needed, strategic policies should be informed by a local housing need assessment, conducted using the standard method in national planning guidance – unless exceptional circumstances justify an alternative approach which also reflects current and future demographic trends and market signals.
7. Within this context, the size, type and tenure of housing needed for different groups in the community should be assessed and reflected in planning policies (including, but not limited to, those who require affordable housing, families with children, older people, students, people with disabilities, service families, travellers, people who rent their homes and people wishing to commission or build their own homes).
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