Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document 2018
Further similar reading: Scarborough Borough Council
The Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), published by Scarborough Borough Council in March 2018, aims to provide comprehensive guidance on the implementation of affordable housing policies within the borough. This document serves as a crucial resource for developers, planning agents, and the local community, outlining how the council interprets and applies national and local policies related to affordable housing.
Introduction
The SPD is grounded in the recognition that access to affordable housing is a fundamental human need. The council emphasizes that meeting this need aligns with its broader objectives of creating suitable and affordable homes for all residents. The document reflects national planning policies that mandate local authorities to address affordable housing needs in their planning frameworks. It also incorporates findings from the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2015), which identified a significant demand for affordable housing across various sub-markets in Scarborough.
Justification for Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning
The SPD outlines several justifications for requiring affordable housing:
- National Policy Framework: The document aligns with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which states that local planning authorities must set policies to meet identified affordable housing needs on-site, unless justified otherwise.
- Local Needs Assessment: The Strategic Housing Market Assessment indicated an annual need for 552 affordable homes in Scarborough, highlighting a pressing requirement for both social rented and intermediate housing options.
- Affordability Issues: The report notes that housing affordability has deteriorated over the past decade, with house prices significantly outpacing local incomes. This has resulted in a high proportion of households unable to afford suitable housing.
Types of Affordable Housing
The SPD categorizes affordable housing into several types based on government definitions:
- Social Rented Housing: Managed by local authorities and registered providers, typically subject to national rent guidelines.
- Affordable Rented Housing: Let at rents no more than 80% of local market rents.
- Intermediate Affordable Housing: Includes shared equity products and other low-cost homeownership options.
- Starter Homes: Newly defined under the Housing and Planning Act 2016, these homes are sold at a minimum of 20% below market value, targeted at first-time buyers under 40.
Site Thresholds in Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning
The SPD specifies thresholds for when affordable housing contributions are expected from new developments:
- Scarborough: Developments of 11 or more dwellings must include 10% affordable units.
- Whitby/Northern & Western Parishes: A requirement of 30% affordable units.
- Filey/Hunmanby/Southern Parishes: A requirement of 15% affordable units.
- Developments with 10 or fewer dwellings are exempt from providing contributions.
These thresholds were established based on extensive market analysis and are designed to ensure that new developments contribute meaningfully to addressing local housing needs.
Negotiation Factors
Chapters within the SPD detail various factors that will influence negotiations regarding affordable housing provisions:
- Design Standards and Tenure Mix: Developers must consider design quality and the appropriate mix of tenures when proposing affordable units.
- Viability Assessments: Applicants are required to submit comprehensive viability appraisals if they propose fewer affordable units than policy mandates. This ensures that financial constraints do not undermine the delivery of necessary housing.
Legal Agreements and Contributions
The SPD outlines the processes involved in securing legal agreements for affordable housing:
- Section 106 Agreements: These legal agreements will clarify obligations related to affordable housing provisions.
- Monitoring Contributions: The council commits to transparent procedures for collecting and utilizing financial contributions aimed at enhancing the supply of affordable homes across Scarborough.
Conclusion
The document for Affordable Housing supplementary planning is a vital document that sets out clear guidelines and expectations regarding the provision of affordable housing in Scarborough. By aligning local policies with national frameworks and responding to identified needs, the council aims to foster a balanced community where all residents have access to suitable living conditions. The emphasis on transparency, viability assessments, and community engagement underscores the commitment to addressing one of the most pressing issues facing many residents today—access to affordable housing.In summary, this document serves as both a guide for developers navigating planning processes and a reassurance to residents that their needs are being prioritized within local governance frameworks.