Question 12 relates to draft Policy DHG3, which sets out minimum garden sizes for dwellings with 3 or more bedrooms. Specifically, it requires garden to be at least 10m in length. This is not considered to be justified, as there is no evidence to support this. Furthermore, it is not considered that RDC has fully considered the potential consequences of such a policy.

As set out in response to Question 9, this policy, in combination with other policy requirements RDC is proposing to introduce (eg minimum space standards etc) may impact on the deliverability of individual housing sites. Notably, the requirement for minimum garden sizes and other standards may increase the land take of each individual plot beyond that which would usually be assumed. This may reduce the
overall number of units that can be achieved on housing sites, in turn impacting the RDC's ability to meet its Core Strategy housing requirement. This reduces the effectiveness of the Core Strategy, and such would not be consistent with national policy objectives.