In case there is any doubt, PINs have confirmed (via a consent order)
that the correct approach to NPPF 14(c) is to determine whether an LPA
has "three-years' worth of deliverable housing sites as assessed
against its five-year housing requirement figure" rather than
assessing the amount of housing deliverable within 3 years.
Deliverable has its normal meaning "To be considered
deliverable, sites for housing should be available now, offer a
suitable location for development now, and be achievable with a
realistic prospect that housing will be delivered on the site within 5 years."
The correct approach is therefore to measure deliverable supply
against the five year target - exactly as per an assessment of five
year supply - but the threshold for passing the test is 3 years' worth
(60%) not 5 years' worth (100%)
Well done East Cambs!
Sources:
https://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/planning/401-planning-news/44463-district-council-wins-legal-battle-after-planning-inspector-miscalculated-its-housing-land-supply
https://pa.eastcambs.gov.uk/online-applications/files/9270EF26C28EBA985660EECA4D12BCA3/pdf/18_01703_OUT-Consent_Order-1132346.pdf
https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ViewCase.aspx?CaseID=3227639&CoID=0
