CSJ Planning Consultants are instructed by Hammonds Yates Ltd (HYL) to submit representations in respect of the Draft Local Plan 2006 – 2028, for the administrative district of South Somerset. Our representations are based on a review of the consultation information, resulting in very serious concerns in relation to a number of aspects of emerging policy and the preferred strategy. It is therefore HYL's intention to assemble a full professional team coordinated by CSJ Planning Consultant

The Housing Supply Strategy is unsound. The overall target is too low and the undue focus on the Yeovil extension has resulted in static rural communities, including Milbourne Port, requiring a large housing and employment allocation of growth to avoid the stagnancy of dormitory villages and promote a tangible sustainable local settlement. * It is noted that South Somerset District Council (SSDC) are planning for growth of 15,950 homes over the plan period 2006 to 2028. This underlying economic

The Transport Strategy is unsound, has compounded multiple errors of assessment and unduly focused on a flawed Yeovil expansion strategy. The weight and primacy afforded transport action in rural areas is unsatisfactory and the entire approach unjustified.

Paragraph 7.46 of the Spatial Portrait notes a population of 2,586 with 1,300 economically active residents and 350 jobs. It is noted that only one quarter of the village residents have access to jobs in the village and suggested that more employment opportunities should be provided. It is evident that high levels of out commuting exist.

The suggested target of providing only 40% of new housing on brownfield land is unsustainable and falls below national targets.

CSJ Planning Consultants are instructed by Hammonds Yates Ltd (HYL) to submit representations in respect of the Draft Local Plan 2006 – 2028, for the administrative district of South Somerset. Our representations are based on a review of the consultation information, resulting in very serious concerns in relation to a number of aspects of emerging policy and the preferred strategy. It is therefore HYL's intention to assemble a full professional team coordinated by CSJ Planning Consultant

The Housing Supply Strategy is unsound. The overall target is too low and the undue focus on the Yeovil extension has resulted in static rural communities, including Milbourne Port, requiring a large housing and employment allocation of growth to avoid the stagnancy of dormitory villages and promote a tangible sustainable local settlement. * It is noted that South Somerset District Council (SSDC) are planning for growth of 15,950 homes over the plan period 2006 to 2028. This underlying economic

The Sustainability Appraisal is fundamentally flawed. The assessment of reasonable alternatives is incomplete and partisan. The scoring of various topic areas for identified areas of growth does not withstand even the most basic testing on an objective basis. It is legally invalid and the process does not conform to good practice.

Paragraph 7.46 of the Spatial Portrait notes a population of 2,586 with 1,300 economically active residents and 350 jobs. It is noted that only one quarter of the village residents have access to jobs in the village and suggested that more employment opportunities should be provided. It is evident that high levels of out commuting exist.

The suggested target of providing only 40% of new housing on brownfield land is unsustainable and falls below national targets.