In respect of the criteria for the Sequential Test the requirement for the area of search to be the whole of North Somerset appears to be applicable to any development proposed in the Service Villages. This is considered unrealistic and counter-productive to maintaining the focus on the needs of such settlements. This should be amended to say that with regard to the Service Villages it is the Service Village and its immediate environs and economic hinterland that is the relevant area of search.

In respect of item 2 c) thereunder, any Council land so identified must have already been formally declared to be surplus and be genuinely available for purchase by private treaty. Otherwise it cannot be said to be genuinely available to the applicant of any such planning application which falls to be considered under such criteria.