Standard method and constraints in five plans
December 17, 2020
Robert Hayward
1862 Views
The Planning for the Future White Paper proposes establishing housing requirements that factor in land constraints. This blog analyses how this could work and what the effect of the proposal would be on local planning authorities across England.
The best way to arrive at a housing requirement would be to have a consistent method for assessing the capacity of urban and non-urban land in authorities, rather than simply focussing on calculating the number of land constraints.
The principal study in understanding whether an authority has the land supply to meet its housing need is the SHLAA (strategic housing land availability assessment). The SHLAA is limited in that Government guidance focusses on identifying and assessing sites rather than looking broadly at growth opportunities and capacity. Therefore, new guidance is needed to require authorities to assess the capacity of land over the next 10, 20, 30 years to help arrive at robust, binding housing requirements.
You can read Robert’s blog in full here – the views expressed are personal.

Robert Hayward
Associate
RELATED NEWS
Great Leighs, Chelmsford City Council, Essex – Strategic Growth Site
March 15, 2023
Masterplan Framework document to deliver around 950 new homes, 250 specialist elderly dwellings, together with a neighbourhood centre, site for a primary school and a Travelling Show-persons site, all set within a mature landscape setting adjacent to and integrated with the existing village.
Proposed Reforms to the NPPF, Summary Response
March 7, 2023
In December 2022, the UK Government released a consultation document proposing changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). You can read our summary response to this consultation here.
Project Skyway
February 21, 2023
David Lock on why we need to talk about a proposed long-distance network of drone based delivery ‘superhighways.’
Promotion at David Lock Associates
February 9, 2023
DLA is pleased to announce the promotion of Emily Benstead to the role of Planner. This recognition is a result of Emily achieving Chartered Member status with the RTPI and her noteworthy work as an Assistant Planner.
Houlton School wins RTPI Award for Planning Excellence
December 5, 2022
Houlton School wins the RTPI Award for Planning Excellence for ‘Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture’
DLA Working With STFC
October 27, 2022
David Lock Associates is delighted to be working with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (part of UK Research and Innovation) on a series of exciting development plans, which are helping to facilitate world-leading research.
Build Your Career at DLA
October 24, 2022
We are looking for enthusiastic, bright and committed graduate planners to join our leading spatial planning practice next summer.
New Recruits and Promotions at DLA
October 18, 2022
David Lock Associates is delighted to announce several new appointments following a recent recruitment drive, and promotions from earlier this year.
Speedy Approval for Prospero Ansty Business Park
October 3, 2022
David Lock Associates recently secured full planning permission for three flexible B2/B8 units at Prospero Ansty Business Park in Rugby Borough, which would deliver a combined floorspace of over 50,000 sq.m.