Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)

Publication of SHLAA Update Report

The SHLAA is a technical study that we are required to produce as part of the preparations for our Local Development Framework (LDF). The SHLAA provides information on the potential of sites for housing development to meet the identified needs within the requirements of the Core Strategy policies. It forms part of the evidence base for the LDF and specifically for the Site Specific Allocations document.

The original SHLAA report was published in June 2009. A total of 209 potential housing sites, (including 29 'new' sites that were not considered in the original 2009 SHLAA), were identified for inclusion in the Forest Heath SHLAA update that took place in 2010. All of these sites have now been assessed by Council Officers, in collaboration with the Stakeholder Group, in terms of their likely deliverability for housing using the criteria outlined in the appropriate DCLG guidance, (suitability, availability and achievability). The outcomes of this assessment were subject to a period of consultation in late 2010 and following consideration of all representations made, we are now in a position to publish the final SHLAA update report.

The SHLAA exercise has been conducted jointly with Babergh District, Mid Suffolk District and St Edmundsbury Borough Councils. However, the final report is published for each district/borough separately.

Specific sites identified in the SHLAA will be considered for inclusion in the council's Site Specific Allocations DPD which will go through further periods of consultation in due course. Please be reminded that the outcomes of the SHLAA do not give a presumption towards development and any development site will need to be assessed through the planning process.

To view all the SHLAA 2010 update documents, site maps and site details, select the below link.

http://www3.forest-heath.gov.uk/shlaa/shlaa_consultation.html