Information for Housing developers

Housing Developers may find the following information of use with regard to Affordable Housing:

The Council's adopted Core Strategy (Local Plan) Policy 8 requires an element of affordable housing to be provided on eligible sites. On sites capable of supporting 15 or more residential units, up to 30% of those units will be sought by negotiation to be delivered as affordable housing, subject to consideration of viability.

There is a great need for affordable housing in the borough. The most recent Strategic Housing Market Assessment indicates that 271 additional affordable rented units are needed each year, and needed in all areas of the borough.  The highest need is for Social Rented properties.

Information can be found on the Core Strategy page.

Wherever possible, we would like detailed pre-application discussions with regard to the affordable housing with the planning applicant or their agent at the earliest opportunity.
The affordable housing agreed under a section 106 agreement will be expected to be transferred to a housing association.
 Details of the housing associations who work regularly in the area can be obtained from the Council’s housing strategy officer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Housing Developers and Homes for Disabled People and Older People

Housing Developers may find the following information of use with regard to homes for Disabled People and Older People.

The Council's adopted Core Strategy (Local Plan) Policy 8 requires that consideration should be given to the needs and demands of the elderly as part of the overall housing mix.

To meet needs, whether being built by developers or housing associations themselves, such homes should normally incorporate the following features:

  • Built to Lifetime Homes or Wheelchair Standard (or equivalent Building Regulations);
  • Wet room or walk in shower;
  • Space to charge and store electric wheelchairs or scooters;
  • Adjacent parking (and where possible space to install car port);
  • Level access into the house and into the garden;
  • If ground floor flats - own access and, if possible, own garden or outdoor space.

We would normally arrange for a local Occupational Therapist to help architects and developers in the design of the properties and facilities.

For further information on Affordable Housing Needs and the needs of disabled and older people, please contact Tessa Paul, Housing Strategy Officer on the email address provided on this page.