RESOLVED – that (A) the changes in national planning policy announced through the Ministerial Statement be noted;
(B) the Council implements a threshold of 5 units or less in Category 1 and 2 Villages, below which affordable housing contributions will not be sought; and
(C) the Council’s policy requirement for the provision of affordable housing in Category 1 and 2 Villages be amended and the revised wording for policy HSG3 (II), (III) and (IV) as set out in paragraph 2.18 of the report submitted, be approved.
As a result, the threshold and requirement for provision of affordable housing would be as follows:
(a) Main Settlements:
Threshold: Sites over 15 units or 0.5ha
Provision: Up to 40%
(b) Category 1 and 2 Villages:
Threshold: Sites of up to 5 units or 0.17ha
Provision: None
Threshold: Sites of 6-10 units or 0.18 – 0.32ha and a combined gross internal floorspace of less than 1000sqm
Provision: Financial contribution
Threshold: Sites of 11-14 units or 0.33 – 0.49ha or combined gross internal floorspace of more than 1000sqm
Provision: Up to 25%
Threshold: Sites over 15 units or 0.5ha
Provision: Up to 40%
(see also Minute 569)