Affordable housing

Community consultation, undertaken as part of the preparation of the Community Strategy has identified the provision of affordable housing as one of the most important issues facing the district at the present time.

The Housing Needs Survey undertaken in 2001 identified that there was a considerable need for affordable housing to meet local needs. To download a copy of the Housing Needs Survey click the related attachment. 

We have recognised these concerns by making changes to its planning policies by placing greater emphasis upon already securing the provision of new affordable housing through the development process. For more information click the related content link.

The work of securing provision of new affordable housing, has, however, not stopped there. We approved in November 2003 a Supplementary Planning Guidance Note on Affordable Housing, and 'Rural Housing Advice Note'. The latter acts as SPG in respect of 'rural exception sites'.

Both set out the processes and procedures that we propose to use to secure the provision of new affordable housing throughout the area that it is the local planning authority. 

We have recently approved revisions to the formula for calculating contributions towards the provision of affordable housing. The new methodolgy replaces the one included within the Affordable Housing SPG, and is availble to download by clicking the related attachment.

Also on our website