The Inspectors decision vindicates the concerns expressed by a consortium of promotors and developers including WH White, with the case being articulated at the Examination hearing sessions by Chris Young KC. Whilst it is a fair and just verdict, one can only reflect on the wasted cost and energy put into a plan that was fundamentally flawed from an early stage.
The plan was unambitious and regressive. It only proposed some c.57% of the housing requirement identified under the 2023 standard method and c.54% of the 2024 standard method. The detailed evidence prepared on behalf of the consortium indicates its adoption would have resulted in negative economic and social consequences; so, this decision is pleasing.
BCP Council will now start work on a new local plan and will hopefully adopt a far more positive approach to the benefits of new development and meeting the needs of the second largest conurbation in the southwest. Given the woeful housing land supply and housing delivery test results, WH White and the consortium would urge the Council to start engaging with the development industry to optimise public benefits.