4.89 In the context of the above, given that each settlement is unique and local aspirations for growth differ, the distribution of growth across the District has been further influenced by local factors.

4.90 Yeovil is the prime employment location in the District and its positive and strong economy has consistently supported almost half of the District's jobs, therefore half the overall housing growth is located in Yeovil. This distribution will maintain the economic health and prominence of the settlement.

4.91 In recognition of its size and potential because of its high degree of self containment, Chard's level of growth is greater than the other Primary Market Towns and reflects the Council's commitment to the growth proposals in the Chard Regeneration Framework. Policy SS5 recognises that as a result of the infrastructure requirements and phasing needed to deliver the Framework, and market limitations to development, the level of growth for Chard requires growth, which extends beyond the plan period. The approach reflects the findings of the Chard Eastern Development Area Feasibility Report (Thomas Lister 2012), which looks at the delivery of the Chard proposals. The report anticipates that development will not commence until 2016, and therefore 1,376 dwellings will be built beyond 2028, at a rate of 120 dwellings per annum. A total of 3,237 dwellings are proposed in Chard.

4.92 The level of growth identified for Crewkerne is mainly a reflection of the existing commitment, the saved Local Plan Proposal, with some provision for alternative growth over the plan period.

4.93 The requirement of approximately 500 dwellings reflects the settlement's status as a Primary Market Town.

4.94 To reflect the scale of Wincanton and allow assimilation of significant growth in the recent past and present, and to balance employment growth/job creation with housing growth, no further significant development, beyond existing commitments is required in Wincanton over the plan period. This approach reflects local aspirations for a more balanced approach to housing and employment development in Wincanton. The housing trajectory anticipates a gradual build out of the housing committed in the town, resulting in a continuous provision throughout the plan period.

4.95 Reflecting local aspirations the scale of growth has been pared back from 500 to 400 dwellings and is a reflection of status and provides an opportunity to maintain and enhance local services and facilities. Development at Ansford/Castle Cary also presents an opportunity to improve access to employment.

4.96 The changing status of Langport from a Rural Centre to a higher order Local Market Town requires a higher housing provision from the 300 identified in the Draft Core Strategy, which is more akin to the level of growth for a Rural Centre. The 400 dwelling requirement reflects the settlement's status as a Local Market Town and provides an opportunity to maintain and enhance local services and facilities

4.97 The requirement of between 200 - 300 dwellings in these settlements reflects their status as Rural Centres and provides an opportunity to maintain and enhance local services and facilities.

4.98 The change in status of Ilchester presents an opportunity to provide housing in the settlement, which is in close proximity to the economic opportunities of Yeovilton, and to support town centre services. The limited growth in Ilchester reflects the environmental constraints on future growth, namely archaeological remains and flooding.

4.99 To reflect its status as a Rural Centre and to aid self-containment and support local services, additional growth (approximately 100 houses) has been identified as needed in South Petherton.

4.100 The limited growth in Stoke sub Hamdon reflects the scale and nature of the settlement.

4.101 It is important that Rural Settlements can grow where sustainability can be achieved, but there is also a need for restriction on the total to ensure that excessive provision doesn't occur and undermine the settlement strategy and hierarchy. There is an element of arbitrariness in the assessment of the level of growth that Policy SS2 will encourage, hence there is a need to monitor its implementation. The evidence in the latest Council Annual Monitoring Report (AMR)[1] points to a very significant drop in the provision of additional houses in the Rural Settlements, so making a provision of around 2,400 dwellings, double the current level of commitments for these settlements, a more realistic level than previously contained in the Draft Core Strategy. There is clear evidence from the SHLAA that there are lots of sites that could come forward in Rural Settlements to deliver this level of provision.