The aspiration of Policy GD2 to enable the development of unallocated sites in sustainable locations that accord with the Local Plan's spatial strategy is welcomed. Bloor Homes particularly support the principle of permitting development within or contiguous with the existing or committed built up area of the PUA. This is particularly significant in light of the concerns highlighted in their objection to Policies SS1 and H1 in relation to the housing requirements and the number, nature and location of the housing allocations proposed to meet the housing requirements; notably the failure to allocate any sites other that the proposed SDA at the PUA that is positioned at the top of the proposed settlement hierarchy.

However, the policy should not be seen as an alternative to allocating sufficient appropriate development sites in the Local Plan. A plan led approach is required by the NPPF to provide the necessary certainty that the identified development needs will be provided for in appropriate locations.

As paragraph 4.3.7 of the Local Plan acknowledges, in order to meet the development needs of all settlements and conform to the NPPF's presumption in favour of sustainable development, it is imperative that a criteria-based approach that is responsive to local circumstances is followed to allow sufficient flexibility. In this regard, the criteria proposed within the policy is considered generally appropriate, albeit that they need to be considered in the context of the site's specific circumstances.