Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 19 April 2018 to Question 134643, on Housing: Construction, in the event that all other options have been explored whether a Local Plan that does not meet objectively assessed need can still be passed by a Planning Inspector.

Local Plans should meet objectively assessed needs, with sufficient flexibility to adapt to rapid change, unless any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, or specific policies in the National Planning Policy Framework indicate that development should be restricted. At examination, an independently appointed Inspector will consider these factors, as part of their assessment of the Plan and whether the tests of soundness as set out in the Framework have been met.