Support

Representation ID: 23356

Received: 30/09/2021

Respondent: Seven Homes

Agent: RCA Regeneration Ltd

HOU3 - Delivering Affordable, Wheelchair Accessible and Self Build / Custom Build Housing
2.10. We are broadly supportive of the affordable housing policy but would suggest the policy is
slightly reworded to make it absolutely clear that those minimum proportions should only be
required where viability demonstrates it is deliverable. Setting minimum levels are laudable, but
unlikely to make a difference in reality if viability is an issue (as is the case on many BC sites).
2.11. We are broadly supportive of the requirements to make more homes accessible for disabled
people.
2.12. The 5% self-build requirement does raise some concerns, however – related to maintaining
health and safety on large housing sites, as well as in relation to the ultimate control over
phasing. Given the council’s strong reliance on windfall sites – many of which are likely to be self
or custom build, we cannot see why the council can justify requesting a proportion of self-build
on large housing developments that are proposed for allocation.