Object

Representation ID: 17658

Received: 23/03/2021

Respondent: Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes

Agent: ID Planning

Part C requires all new homes (over 10 dwellings) to be built to accessible standards and 5% of new homes built to M4(3) standards. We generally support the provision of such technical standards however, further evidence is required to justify the requirement as detailed in the policy.
There is no evidence to support the proposed threshold of 10 dwellings or 5% in relation to wheelchair user standards. Further information and evidence is required to justify these requirements.
There are specific costs associated with meeting these needs which could have viability implications for the delivery of housing. Paragraph 4.22.8 explains that the standards have been assessed as part of the whole plan viability and that site circumstances will be considered if the standards are not viability. The viability of meeting the requirements should be mentioned in the policy.
Part E of the policy refers to Nationally Described Space Standards being implemented. Further evidence from the Council is necessary justify the need for internal space standards. Government guidance is clear that there needs to be robust and credible evidence on both need and viability to warrant the introduction of a policy requiring all new homes to meet NDSS.
Required Change
The policy wording should be amended to provide flexibility and viability for future development.