Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council are currently consulting on a review of their Core Strategy, adopted in 2014. The consultation is supported by several evidence documents, including:

• Housing Land Supply Monitoring Report 2019-2022 (June 2024);
• Housing Supply Assessment Report 2023 (June 2024); and
• Housing Standards Background Paper (June 2024).

The review has identified specific policies to update. These include:  

• Policy CS 1 - revising the plan period to 2025 to 2040 for updated policies;
• Policy CS 6 - adjusting to the annual housing requirement from 850 dwellings per annum down to 554;
• Policy CS 7 - revising guidance on affordable housing requirements and space standards to align with updated national planning guidance; and
• Other policies - amending policies relating to (amongst other things) flood risk, public health, renewable energy and infrastructure delivery.

It is important to note that the Core Strategy Partial Update does not incorporate the Government’s proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and proposed changes to the standard method for calculating housing need. The proposed standard method would increase Rotherham’s annual housing requirement from 554 to 1,233 dwellings per annum, which we consider would have significant implications for their Local Plan. In addition, several of the housing evidence base documents supporting the consultation are out of date and in need of further scrutiny.

Despite the Government’s proposals, Rotherham has decided to proceed with consultation. Those with land interests in Rotherham are encouraged to respond to the current consultation to ensure that potential development opportunities are considered early in the Local Plan process. The consultation closes on 30th September 2024.

Our team has extensive experience in advancing various sites through local plans and can assist in preparing representations and scrutinising the evidence base. If you would like guidance on promoting land for development, or preparing your response to the consultation document, please contact one of our team members below to discuss further.