Contact Us
Housing Needs Surveys
Delivering Affordable Housing
National planning policy in relation to housing is set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 (PPG3) (March 2000). This indicates that local planning authorities should plan to meet the housing requirements of the whole community and encourage the development of mixed and balanced communities. It states in paragraph 11 that they should formulate plans which:
"……secure an appropriate mix of dwelling size, type and affordability in both new developments and conversions to meet the changing composition of households in their area in the light of the likely assessed need;"
It highlights in particular that a community's need for a mix of housing types, including affordable housing, is a material consideration in deciding planning applications. The guidance emphasises the importance of having up to date assessments of local housing needs and then provides more specific advice on delivering affordable housing, based on that assessment of need. It refers in particular to Circular 6/98 which provides much more detailed guidance on planning and affordable housing.
One of the objectives of the local plan adopted in June 2001 is :-
"To provide an appropriate range of new housing in terms of dwelling size, type, tenure and affordability to satisfy the needs of the Borough's residents and some of the expected demands from outside the Borough".
The approach to deliver affordable rural housing is different to that for urban housing. Policy HS7 of the adopted local plan states that planning permission will be granted for affordable local needs housing schemes as an exception to normal housing policies on small sites in rural areas subject to a number of criteria.
A District Housing Needs Survey was undertaken in 2004. This survey will be used to support exception schemes and ensure any housing development meets local need.
A Summary Report is available below.
In addition, Local Housing needs surveys have been completed in the following areas.