To determine a response to the updated Phase Two Revision of the Regional Spatial Strategy in the light of the proposed revised housing allocations published on 7 October 2008.  

Cabinet considered a report to determine a response to the updated Phase Two Revision of the Regional Spatial Strategy in the light of the proposed revised housing allocations published on 7 October 2008. 

The Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing presented the report.

The Leader supported the careful wording in recommendation two but was conscious that the Nathaniel Lichfield Partnership study may have set out some grey areas with regard to the overall regional strategy. He referred to the important process of house building in the city which would be reducing and it would therefore raise the question about the sustainability of 1200 additional dwellings in the rural areas.

The Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing referred also to the issue of utilities needs in the infrastructure for the additional dwellings.

RESOLVED: That

(a)              re-affirms its previous representations made in May 2008 to the Panel Secretary to confirm its general support for the Phase Two Revision with the reservations  already set out ;

(b)                          does not object to the allocation of 1,200 additional dwellings in the rural areas during the plan period to 2026 as proposed in the Nathaniel Lichfield Study, and,

(a)                           expresses concern that the increase in housing allocations suggested in the Nathaniel Lichfield Partnership study for the Region may have adverse consequences for the overall regional strategy.