Land Availability Assessment (LAA)

As part of the Local Plan Review we are undertaking a Land Availability Assessment (LAA).

The LAA is an essential part of the evidence base for the Local Plan Review. The LAA identifies potential land and assesses the availability, suitability and achievability of potential sites.

The LAA will not determine whether a site should be allocated for development. However, it will help to identify a potential pool of sites for further consideration through a range of technical work.

This will help to inform future decisions on allocations in the Local Plan Review or in Neighbourhood Development Plans.

A range of land uses are being considered:

• New homes
• 100% affordable homes
• Specialised care (C2) for example for older persons
• Self and custom build homes
• Permanent and transit accommodation for Gypsies & Travellers and travelling showpeople
• Economic development including offices, manufacturing and warehousing
• Renewable energy (non-domestic scale)
• Biodiversity Net Gain offsetting
• Nutrient offsetting

A ‘Call for Sites’ was undertaken last year to help identify potential sites to be considered in the Land Availability Assessment (LAA).

These sites are in the process of being assessed in the LAA. Along with other sites known to the Authority, including reviewing sites previously considered.

For more information on the Call for Sites 2022 please see the link at the bottom of this page.

For more information about the LAA and how sites will be assessed pleased see the documents below.

• Land Availability Assessment (LAA) Methodology Report 
• LAA Appendix A – Site Assessment Criteria

We expect to publish the initial conclusions of the LAA this Autumn/Winter.