While I recognise the importance of an up-to-date Local Plan, I feel compelled to object to the current proposal as it appears overly simplistic and potentially harmful. Just because it aims for a five-year housing supply does not guarantee the constructions that emerge will serve the existing population’s needs or desires. Local communities have a rich array of needs, and any plan that neglects the nuances of these is bound to fail. When considering developments, we ought to prioritise preserving community identity and the existing environment over merely adding numbers.

Developing without a thorough understanding of local context could very well result in uninspired and ill-fitting constructions. I urge the council to reconsider their methodologies and engage more significantly with local stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to new developments, thus promoting positive community-building.