In the absence of any detail, i.e. what the hierarchy would look like under each scenario, it is difficult at this stage to comment upon a preference.

The approach to Option 3 is supported. This allows for individual settlements to be flexible to accommodate additional growth, but still carefully considered through the Development Management process.Sites such as the attached could deliver additional housing to support the sustainable growth of Portbury

The 3 proposed options are equally flawed as they give no serious consideration to the strategic use of poor quality green belt land.

Option 3 is the most preferential.

Approach to Option 3 is supported

The Church Commissioners consider that there should be flexibility within the emerging Local Plan to enable appropriate sustainable small scale development sites such as in Bleadon, across the whole of the Council’s settlement hierarchy. This Policy is particularly restrictive for Infill Villages such as Bleadon and is preventing suitable, sustainable, high quality development from coming forward.

Option 3 growth based strategy represents a positive and pragmatic approach. Strict adherence to a hierarchy may artificially constrain the delivery of sustainable development simply because of a settlement's position within the hierarchy. Will provide greater flexibility in the overall supply of housing by avoiding a scenario where a significant proportion of growth is focussed on a small number of settlements/locations.

Regarding settlement hierarchy we would wish to see and support a hybrid between Option 2 and Option 3 whereby villages and hamlets nearby the Service Villages could take some additional level of development. We therefore put forward our client`s land at Blackmoor, Langford, near Churchill in direct support of the Council`s alternative Settlement Strategy Options 2 and 3 as above.

Option 1 is preferable

BHS feels it would be better if new building is next to or close to available A roads