The evidence base is information collected on key aspects of the social, economic and environmental characteristics of the district, to inform the preparation of planning documents including the Local Plan and other policies. Work is now starting on the next Local Plan, reports and documents will be added as they are agreed and finalised. 

• Housing

  Studies that have been completed/commissioned:

  Evidence Base	Context of the study
  Standard Method Apportionment Report (October 2025) (pdf, 1.7mb)	This report explains how housing needs are shared out across areas that include land in the South Downs National Park. (To be undertaken by AECOM).
  Strategic Housing and Employment Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA)	A technical document listing possible sites for housing or employment use in the next Local Plan. (To be undertaken by WCC - not yet completed).
  Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA)	A study to understand housing needs, costs, and the types of homes needed up to 2044. (To be undertaken by Iceni)
  Windfall Topic Paper	This paper examines historic windfall rates and considers the source and likely number of future homes delivered as windfalls (To be undertaken by WCC - not yet completed)

  Studies due to be commissioned:

  Evidence Base	Context of the study
  Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA)	A study to find out how many pitches and plots are needed for Gypsies, Travellers, and Travelling Showpeople. (Currently out to tender)

• Economy

  Studies that have been completed/commissioned:

  Evidence Base	Context of the study
  Employment Assessment	A study looking at Winchester District’s economy and future job growth (BE Group – not yet completed).
  Retail Assessment	A review of how much retail space Winchester District might need in the future (Lambert Smith Hampton – not yet completed).

• Biodiversity and Natural Evironment

  Studies that have been completed/commissioned:

  Evidence Base	Context of the study
  Water Cycle Study	A review of how future development in the next Local Plan will affect water supply and drainage. (To be undertaken by Arcadis)

  Studies due to be commissioned:

  Evidence Base	Context of the study
  Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA)	A report produced by local planning authorities to inform its decisions on new development with an up-to-date understanding of all sources of current and future flood risk in the authority area. (To be commissoned)

   

• Sustainable Transport and Active Travel

  Studies due to be commissioned:

  Evidence Base	Context of the study
  Strategic Transport Assessment (STA)	A study that looks at transport issues and tests different future scenarios.

• Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA)/Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA)

  AECOM have been appointed to carry out the Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) and Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA). 

  Evidence Base	Context of the study
  Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) and Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA)	A comprehensive, legally required process to evaluate the potential impacts of a new policy, plan, or development proposals (AECOM – not yet completed).

• Local Plan Viability Assessment 

  Studies due to be commissioned:

  Evidence Base	Context of the study
  Local Plan Viability Assessment	A review to check whether the next Local Plan is financially realistic and deliverable.