South West LPAs Five Year Housing Land Supply Update

Posted by Greenslade Taylor Hunt on 17th July 2025 -

In December 2024, the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) reinstated the mandatory requirement for all Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to demonstrate a five year supply of deliverable housing land (5YHLS). This change saw the way in which housing land supplies are assessed reverted to a pre-December 2023 position and brought with it the re-introduction of the 5% buffer. 

These changes, along with the introduction of the new standard method, resulted in all LPAs across England, irrespective of what stage their local plan is, having to re-calculate their 5YHLS position. 

Some LPA’s were quick to publish new position statements, however many so far have relied on their pre-December 2024 figures. We are now six months into these changes taking effect, and three of the latest LPAs to change their 5YHLS position are:

•    Sedgemoor - In April 2025 Sedgemoor (Somerset Area North) slipped below the five-year threshold to 4.77 years (a shortfall of 197 homes), reduced from 6.51 years.

•    Mid-Devon – A recent appeal decision in June 2025 confirmed Mid-Devon can only demonstrate 4.79 years giving them a shortfall of 411 homes. This is forecast to reduce further in July 2025 to 2.1 years due to the Local Plan becoming more than five years old.

•    Dorset - In October 2024, Dorset Council were able to demonstrate a 5.02 year housing land supply in their Annual Position Statement. This will fall to as little as 2.67 years in October 2025 when that fixed position expires. This will result in a shortfall believed to be in the region of 8,000 homes. 

The revised NPPF reintroduces the original 5YHLS requirement for all LPAs, placing renewed pressure on LPAs to maintain up-to-date plans and delivery evidence. The NPPF includes a provision commonly referred to as ‘the tilted balance’. 

In a nutshell, where LPAs cannot demonstrate a 5YHLS there is a requirement for them to grant planning permission for new development unless it runs contrary to specific policies in the NPPF or where any adverse impacts would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. 

For further information on individual LPA’s please feel free to contact our experienced Planning team, or view our Planning Policy Overview. Discover more about our Development Land and Planning services.