Site Boundary & Housing needs

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The extension of the settlement boundary is unsound. The Parish Council undertook a village wide survey as part of the regulation 18 consultation which had a 44% return rate, so the data collected is highly representational of the views of the community.

Survey respondents were strongly against the use of the top and middle fields for housing, with 94% against a development of 45 houses and 87% against 25 houses, so a significant rejection of any housing on the site.

The South Down National parks previous allocation for housing in Amberley is documented within the Amberley Neighbourhood plan and in the timeframe 2016 to 2032, this was for 6 additional homes. Since then, 28 houses have been built, exceeding the quota by 22. Housing needs at the time of the Neighbourhood Plan were identified as a small number of affordable houses and a smaller units for older people to downsize to so they can remain in the community.

Development outside of the settlement boundary is not justified and does not meet any established local need.