EVIDENCE used to calculate how many new homes Redditch borough requires up to 2030 is being reconsidered, after neighbouring authorities’ plans were questioned by the Planning Inspectorate.

More information about Redditch’s housing requirements is being gathered after a Planning Inspector examining the nearby South Worcestershire Development Plan questioned a part of that plan’s evidence base, that is also used for Redditch’s Local Plan.

Both plans refer to the Worcestershire Strategic Housing Market Assessment, prepared in 2012 for all the councils in Worcestershire to determine how many houses are needed in an area.

The additional work in Redditch is likely to take a few months and as a result, the submission of the Local Plan to the Inspector for examination has been delayed until it can be completed. It had been due to be submitted by December 31.

Redditch councillor Greg Chance, who is responsible for planning, said: “Throughout the plan-making process we have ensured that the Local Plan is evidence-based, to give it the best possible chance of being found sound by the Planning Inspectorate. Events in the south of the county have suggested that to ensure our evidence is robust enough for the Inspector, we should carry out some additional work before we submit the plan.

“We will be sure to keep everyone informed of progress on this. Of course if the evidence shows any significant changes then we will have to look at the Local Plan again.”

Once the evidence is revised, unless it shows a significant change to housing requirements which would require the council to redraw plans and consult residents again, the council will be able to submit the plan to the Inspector immediately.

The council’s draft Local Plan No. 4 covers the 17 year period up to 2030 and plans for around 6,400 additional dwellings and approximately 55 hectares of employment land.