SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 59
172.
The policy applies to all development in the ‘C3’ use class. The policy will also apply to ‘C2’
development that provides individual self-contained units that can be counted as part of the
Borough’s overall housing supply.
173.
The Council recognises that provision of affordable housing will result in a cost to developers
and so the implementation of this policy requires a reasonable and flexible approach,
reflecting individual site characteristics. Where there are factors that could threaten the
viability of developments as a result of site specific constraints or circumstances these will be
considered in negotiations. However, the overall target is that 40% of all new housing built in
the Borough will be affordable housing.
174.
Consultation responses to the 2016 Draft Local Plan supported this policy approach. The
Council is justified in adopting its definition of affordability because it provides clear guidance
to developers on what is required. The definition will be based on Borough data on incomes
and house prices, subject to monitoring and review.
175.
The Council is justified in defining the tenure of ‘affordable’ homes on the basis that a spread
of tenure options is required to satisfy needs and aspirations of households.
176.
Most households in housing need are only able to afford to rent below market level, so the
provision of homes at social rent or affordable rent is the most important aspect of affordable
housing provision. In view of the greater cost to land value of rented provision, the ability to
require a proportion of any affordable provision to be for rent is essential. The objective will
be to maximise housing provision for those in most need whilst producing balanced
communities and to secure a level and mix of provision which is viable and practicable to the
developer.
177.
The Council also wishes to promote affordable routes to home ownership. This will mainly be
for shared ownership but will include discounted market products as may be required by
legislation and planning guidance at the time of determination. The policy therefore provides
a range of affordable housing provision.
178.
National Planning Policy Framework defines Entry Level Exception sites as sites that are
suitable for first time buyers (or those looking to rent their first home). The Council will
support these in accordance with the latest National Planning Policy Framework and
Planning Policy Guidance at the time of decision making.
179.
National Planning Policy Framework defines Build to Rent as purpose built housing that is
typically 100% rented out. Schemes typically offer longer tenancy agreements of three years
or more, and will typically be professionally managed stock in single ownership and
management control. The Council will support these in accordance with the latest National
Planning Policy Framework and Planning Policy Guidance at the time of decision making.
180.
The Council is justified in requiring the on-site provision of affordable housing wherever
feasible in order to maximise the provision of affordable homes on sites of all values. It is
recognised that the provision of affordable housing in some parts of the Borough can present
challenges to developers because of existing use values. These are often in parts of the
Borough where affordable homes are in particularly short supply so insistence on on-site
provision is justified to ensure that homes are provided in these locations.
181.
This policy is consistent with the Government’s policy that where local authorities have
identified that affordable housing is required they should set policies for meeting this need on
site, unless off-site provision or a financial contribution of broadly equivalent value can be
robustly justified and the agreed approach contributes to the objective of creating mixed and
balanced communities.
182.
The policy in this plan does not cover matters relating to how affordable dwellings will be
allocated for occupation. Eligibility and priority is governed by the Councils Housing
Allocation Scheme. This is a statutory policy required under the Housing Act 1996. However
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