Object

Representation ID: 2140

Received: 10/12/2021

Respondent: Balfour Beatty

Agent: CBRE

Policy HC1:
The proposed policy is too prescriptive and does not refer to the proposed housing development site to be informed by the latest SHMA or other evidence that would enable flexibility to reflect local needs/demands at the time of the application.
The policy should require consultation of appropriate evidence base documents such as Market Housing Reports.
Prescribing a specific mix may have negative implications for housing delivery if market demand does not coincide with policy at a particular time.
Proposed alternative policy wording:
"Developments of ten homes or more should provide for a range of house types and sizes that will meet the accommodation needs of both existing and future residents, in line with the most recently available information, such as: - The South Staffordshire HMA 2021 (or any subsequent revision; or - Detailed Local Housing Market Assessments (where applicable); or - Current and future demographic profiles; or - Locality and ability of site to accommodate a mix of housing; or - Market signals and local housing market trends.
The policy should encourage applicants to demonstrate why the proposed mix on a site is appropriate considering up to date South Staffs evidence.

Policy HC2:
A policy which is flexible would be beneficial for both allocated and unallocated sites.
The policy should also make provision for applications to put balanced proposals forward which demonstrate how they have taken into account the specific site character and context.

Policy HC3:
The policy should specify how exceptional circumstances for offsite and/or reduced affordable housing provision is to be evidenced and negotiated.
The policy should specify whether smaller sites will require affordable housing contributions or if they are exempt.
A threshold figure should be provided in relation to the sizes of of sites and their requirement for affordable housing.

Policy HC4:
The policy should clarify where exemptions are to be made to the requirement for affordable housing.

Policy HC5:
The policy should set out the number of units for specialist housing for the identification of any potential sites which would be able to accommodate demand.