The core strategy "provides an appropriate basis for the planning of the District over the next 15 years," the inspector's report said.
Inspector Simon Emerson judged the soundness of the core strategy on seven considerations and made a number of recommendations. A thorough assessment of how the area's greenbelt would be protected was also undertaken. All the countryside in the area is greenbelt and most of it is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Housing allocation was an important consideration. The inspector sought to ensure that housing was "balanced" for the district, including adequate provision for the development of more affordable housing.
The report also addressed economic considerations including the need for employment sites and the delivery of infrastructure.
Emerson specified a number of changes that had to be made before he could approve the strategy, including a clearer expression of the overall strategy.
He concluded that the overall housing provision had to be increased from 2,400 dwellings to between 2,650 and 2,900, and that a number of amendments should be made to the policies concerning affordable housing, gypsies and travellers.
The inspector also requested that some of the villages declared to be on greenbelt land be reviewed to establish whether this designation should be removed to allow more building.
A more flexible approach to the protection of employment land was also recommended to potentially provide community facilities and housing, as well as jobs in designated employment sites.
The final Core Strategy and Proposals Map will now be reported to the Council's Cabinet on 1 November 2011 and put before the full Council for adoption on 15 November 2011.
