1.16  An Equalities Impact Assessment has been completed for Local Plan Part 2. It evaluated the potential impact of this part of the forward planning strategy on Waverley's residents and workers, and in particular the protected characteristic groups.

1.17  The assessment concluded a neutral effect on the majority of protected characteristic groups, and a positive effect on the Gypsy and Traveller community given that part of the function of Local Plan Part 2 is to allocate sufficient sites to meet the housing needs of this group to 2032. Positive effects were also predicted for a wide range of disability types given the proposed requirements on planning applications to address certain needs. The assessment also predicted positive effects for older people and the younger generation given the inclusion of policies to enhance the vitality and viability of town centres which support these groups to reach essential services.