The need for affordable housing is acknowledged at national, regional and local level. In recent years house prices, and to a lesser extent rents, have risen rapidly in relation to incomes, so that those aspiring to setting up a home for the first time are finding it increasingly difficult. The Council believes that there are opportunities to provide more affordable housing in North East Derbyshire District if those with an interest in providing housing work together. It is hoped that this guidance will help those who are involved in the delivery of affordable homes. It sets out the procedures that will need to be followed if more affordable homes are to be secured. The purpose of this document is to provide more detailed guidance on the implementation of the Council’s policies on affordable housing contained in the North East Derbyshire Local Plan (2005). Paragraph 5.40 of the Local Plan states the intention to prepare a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to explain the means by which the Council expects affordable housing to be delivered. The SPD will build on the Local Plan’s existing affordable housing policies H6, H7, H8 and H9. When adopted, this SPD will be a Local Development Document (LDD) and form part of the North East Derbyshire Development Framework (LDF). It will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.