Context
The Government's National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF) requires each local authority to undertake a Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) as part of the evidence base required to inform Local Plans. A SHMA seeks to assess the long term need and affordability of housing in the area.
The latest SHMA for Somerset, published in October 2016, is a joint study undertaken by Justin Gardner Consulting (JGC) and Chris Broughton Associates on behalf of Mendip, Taunton Deane, South Somerset and Sedgemoor Councils. As well as Local Plans, the SHMA will also inform the new Somerset Strategic Housing Framework, due to be published in 2017.
Purpose
In particular, the Strategic Housing Market Assessment identifies housing need per year up to the year 2039, specifically:-
Methodology
Housing need for the county is established by a combination of methods:-
Key Findings
The full report can be read or downloaded here.
Further Information:
Website content
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Somerset County Council
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