Testun llawn:
The current plan was adopted before Future Wales identified the Vale of Glamorgan as a national growth area; therefore, planning to continue delivering at the same average rate as before this change in status clearly lacks ambition.
Para 5.8, there is no mention that the ten-year period used includes the pandemic and a significant increase in building costs, both of which slowed housebuilding rates and brought down the average annual delivery rate.
HBF suggests a higher rate of annual delivery could be achievable, as demonstrated by previous annual completions of 917 at its highest point and with six of the ten years higher than 526. This is supported by the Council's document BP7 Housing and Employment growth options, which identifies the 5yr build rate average (2016-2021) as 780 units, again well above that currently suggested by this plan.
In order to meet the high demand for affordable homes, a larger housing target would deliver more affordable homes, as each site would be subject to a percentage contribution of affordable homes.
Although it is right for the plan to be as sustainable as possible, a balance also has to be achieved, due to the position of the Vale of Glamorgan so close to Cardiff and Bridgend, there are always going to be job opportunities outside of the authority. Both Cardiff and Bridgend have very good linkages by rail, so such commuting can easily be achieved sustainably. In fact, the plan has said that its strategy is to place new development close to these public transport facilities. HBF consider that the level of employment planned within the Vale of Glamorgan should not be a limit on the level of housing proposed. This is an example of where cross-boundary issues need to be given more consideration, particularly due to the Vale's role as part of the wider national growth area.
The latest housing needs data released by the Welsh Government shows a significant increase in the need for affordable housing to meet unmet need and an increase in annual arising need. These figures both exceed those currently in Future Wales. This new data means the plan should increase its housing requirement to take account of this increased housing need. HBF suggests this adds to the previous reasons why the housing requirement figure should be increased.
In terms of detailed wording, HBF questions whether a plan can deliver. It can allocate land to allow for delivery, but the plan can't actually deliver.
