THE local plan seems to contain one serious and significant contradiction.

Table 8 of the council’s strategic housing market assessment shows a projected population in 2037 of 234,525, up by 26,825 from the current population of 207,000.

Paragraph 2.7 in the council’s preferred development option indicates a delivery of 1,113 new homes a year over 20 years which equates to 22,260 homes by 2037.

If we assume an average of 2.3 people per home that implies an increase in population by 2037 of circa 51,200.

The current population is 207,700 so adding the population increase results in a projected population of 258,900 which is significantly different and almost double that which is projected by table 8.

If the council’s projected population increase is correct then it would seem the need for 22,000 new homes, elsewhere in the plan I’ve seen 24,220 mentioned, is very wide of the mark and only half that number are needed even if all the council’s many other assumptions and calculations are accepted.

RICHARD BUTTREY Stockton Heath