Changes in Planning Policy - what this means for Affordable Housing

Following the adoption of the Development Control Policies by Full Council on 19th July 2007, developers will be expected to contribute towards affordable housing in the district if they propose to build two or more dwellings.

Outlined below is a brief summary of what the new policy will mean in relation to affordable housing.

  • The amount of affordable housing sought will be 40% or more on all sites of two or more dwellings. The occupation of such housing will be limited to people in housing need and must be available over the long-term.
  • Within individual developments, the proportion and type of affordable housing will be the subject of negotiation. Account will be taken of any particular costs associated with the development and other viability considerations.
  • The appropriate mix in terms of housing tenures and house sizes will be determined by local circumstances.
  • Affordable housing will be distributed through the development in small groups or clusters.
  • In exceptional circumstances, on smaller sites, the Council may accept financial contributions towards off-site provision where affordable housing cannot reasonably be provided on site. For further information on accepting a commuted sum in lieu of affordable housing, download a copy of the Guidance Note below:

Commuted Sums Procedure Guide

Exception Sites for affordable housing will still be part of the Policy whereby planning permission that would not normally be given may be granted for schemes of 100% affordable housing designed to meet identified local housing needs.

A Supplementary Planning Document is currently being drafted that will provide further guidance on the affordable housing policy. It is anticipated that this will go out for public consultation in the Spring 2008 and will be published on our website when available.