Object

Representation ID: 10966

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: P&D Northern Asset Management

Agent: Pegasus Group (Manchester)

This draft policy requires all new dwellings to be built to M4(2) standards.

If the Council are to adopt these optional technical standards, they must apply the criteria set out in the PPG.

The PPG2 identifies the type of evidence required to introduce such a policy, including the likely future need; the size, location, type and quality of dwellings needed; the accessibility and adaptability of the existing stock; how the needs vary across different housing tenures; and the overall viability. This evidence has not been provided at this stage.

There is also a need to consider other site-specific factors, including vulnerability to flooding, site topography and other circumstances.

The Council must provide a robust evidence base to justify the introduction of the optional technical standards.

Flexibility needs to be added into the policy wording to allow for exemptions to the policy where it may not be possible to achieve the standards due to site-specific matters or viability considerations.