The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires all strategic policy-making authorities to have a clear understanding of the land available in their area through the preparation of a Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA). The SHLEAA provides an important source of evidence to help identify a sufficient supply and mix of land for housing and economic development.
The Borough Council last published a SHELAA [2023] in January 2024 and more information on that process including the relevant site assessments can be viewed at the end of this webpage.
The Council is now undertaking a full review of the SHELAA in 2026 including a new ‘Call for Sites’ (open until 5pm on 10 April 2026), inviting landowners, developers or other interested parties to put forward potential sites for development so they can be considered alongside any sites the Council has also appropriately identified. Please view the below ‘2026 Call for Sites Notification Letter’ for further information.
The full 2026 SHELAA Review will be conducted in in accordance with an updated Draft SHELAA Methodology (2026) which is consistent with the latest national SHELAA guidance which was refreshed in November 2025. Any comments on the draft Methodology (2026) can be sent to the Council by 5pm on 10 April 2026.
As further detailed in the draft Methodology (2026), the SHELAA will consider whether each site is ‘suitable’, ‘available’ and ‘achievable’ (as defined in the national guidance), taking into account any identified constraints to development, as well as identifying the potential number of dwellings and/or area of economic development that could likely be accommodated on each site. The SHELAA will also assess when a site could likely come forward for development.
If you are a landowner, developer or other interested party that wishes to submit a site(s) for consideration as part of the SHELAA, you can do so by completing the site submission form below, providing as much information as possible. All sites should be accompanied by an suitable map clearly identifying the site boundaries. If you are not the relevant landowner, to help further demonstrate land availability please provide recent evidence of any landowner support (if this is possible). Please note, although the 2026 Call for Sites closes on 5pm on 10 April 2026, sites can be submitted at any time, and depending on when they are submitted, will be assessed within the next yearly update to the SHELAA.
All completed forms, site plans and any supporting evidence you may have &/or comments on the draft Methodology (2026) should be submitted by email to ldf@ambervalley.gov.uk, or by post to: Planning Policy Amber Valley Borough Council, Town Hall, Market Place, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3BT
It is important to emphasise that the assessments of the potential sites in the SHELAA are based on the best information available at the current time and that they provide a starting point to inform future decisions in relation to plan-making and the determination of planning applications.
The conclusions of the assessments in relation to the suitability, availability and achievability of potential sites does not mean that any final decisions have been taken as to which sites will be identified for housing or economic growth in the Local Plan.
Similarly, the conclusions of the assessments for the potential sites does not mean that the Borough Council has decided whether planning permission should be granted for housing or economic development on those sites.
Any planning applications received for any potential sites included in the SHELAA will be considered on its planning merits, taking into account any relevant policies in the Development Plan and any other material planning considerations.
An interactive webpage has been created to show the Amber Valley SHELAA sites and their assessments. The individual site assessments can be viewed by clicking on any site of interest, and then clicking on the SHELAA reference number which will appear. The web page can be accessed by using a compatible web browser (e.g. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge) and by following the link below:
https://info.ambervalley.gov.uk/shelaa/map.html
A list of all the SHELAA sites (with those sites considered to be suitable, available and achievable highlighted [in green for housing & purple for economic growth]) can also be seen in the latest SHELAA Trajectory which can be accessed by following the link below:
SHELAA Trajectory – 2023 Update
Contact the team directly on 01773 841584 or email LDF@ambervalley.gov.uk
