Torbay Council has welcomed confirmation from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) that it has met the requirements of a Ministerial Direction relating to its draft Local Plan, with no further intervention action proposed at this time.

In June, the Minister of State for Housing and Planning wrote to the council requesting further evidence to support Torbay Council's draft Local Plan which fell below the Government's target for Local Housing Need. The Local Plan covers a period of 20 years and the Council has said 400 homes per year is realistically the maximum that can be delivered with the local environmental and geographical constraints.

The government sets a mandatory figure for local housing need based on a formula known as the "standard method". For Torbay this is currently 972 dwellings a year or 19,440 dwellings over a 20 year plan period. Councils must show very strong reasons why they cannot meet this level of growth. Torbay's response to the Government has focussed on the strong environmental and infrastructure constraints which prevent the government's Standard method figure being achievable. 

Following the council's submission, MHCLG has now confirmed that the evidence provided meets the requirements of the minister's direction and that no further government intervention is proposed at this time. The government has emphasised that the Local Plan's growth level will require robust justification at public examination. The Plan can only be adopted where it is consistent with national policy, supported by evidence and takes the views of local people into account. 

Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said:

"We're pleased that the government has accepted our submission and recognised the significant challenges Torbay faces in identifying locations for new housing.

"Torbay is a highly constrained area and we have consistently maintained that the 8,000 homes included within the draft Local Plan represent the most that can realistically be delivered while taking account of our environmental, infrastructure and geographical limitations.

"It's encouraging that MHCLG has confirmed we have met the requirements of the minister's direction and that no further intervention is proposed. This allows us to continue progressing a sound Local Plan through the proper statutory process.

"The council is now preparing for the next phase of Local Plan consultation, which is expected to begin in August. Residents will have a further opportunity to review the proposals and submit their comments before the Plan is submitted for independent examination."

"We understand that proposing a growth level below the government's need figure will require robust justification, and we look forward to presenting our case to an independent inspector when the plan is examined".

The council will continue work towards submitting the Local Plan for independent examination and will undertake a further Planning Inspectorate Advisory Visit, as recommended by MHCLG.

The latest ministerial correspondence and the council's response can be viewed at: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/ministerial-correspondence-council-response/