Support

Representation ID: 27765

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Persimmon Homes (West Yorkshire)

Agent: Lichfields

Persimmon supports the zoning of housing market areas, and the use of separate targets for brownfield development in recognition of the higher cost of developing this kind of land, as set out in draft Policy HO5: Affordable Housing in order to provide an appropriate level of affordable housing provision relative to the varying needs and levels of viability across the District. However, a number of proposed changes since Policy HO11 of the adopted Core Strategy (2017)
threaten to undermine the delivery of affordable housing.
-Increased target from "up to 30%' - considers values in Wharfedale have not risen sufficiently to justify this increase.
-Proportion of social rented accommodation required by HO5 considered too high not comparable to neighboring authorities. Compounding affect on viability.

The policy does allow for affordable housing provision to be less than the target provision where viability evidence demonstrates that there are development costs which would otherwise prejudice the implementation of the proposal having regard to individual site conditions and Policy ID3. This flexibility is welcomed, and is considered a necessary proviso given the possibility for unknown abnormal costs to affect the development of any site within any housing market area. Similarly, the possibility for a financial contribution to be made in lieu of on-site affordable housing provision, subject to appropriate justification, is also supported. However, such provision should not be used as a reason to inflate the affordable housing requirement and a viable and workable affordable housing policy has to be the starting point if CBMDC is to achieve the level of market and affordable housing which is needed across the district.