There is a lack of evidence to support the re-inclusion of previous Local Plan allocations and non-implemented historic planning permission sites.

Those site allocations that have not come forward since 2004 should be rigorously re-assessed and robust evidence should be provided to demonstrate that these sites remain viable and reliable for this plan period.

Taking into consideration the uncertainty of these elements, we question the robustness of the Council's ability to achieve its housing requirement. We therefore consider the DPD fails the test of being 'justified' as it is not built upon a proportionate evidence base. It is therefore 'unsound'.

The inclusion of a housing allocation for land at Breadsell Lane as either a reserve site or as an allocation in the latter stages of the plan would overcome these concerns and provide greater certainty that the plan is 'justified'.