Decision details

First Homes Policy

Decision status: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decisions:

Upon the invitation of the Chair, the Planning Policy and Conservation Team Leader presented his report and explained the proposed approach to implementing the Government’s 30% ‘First Homes policy as part of the affordable housing tenure mix in Policy AH SP2 Affordable Housing and Policy H DM1 Housing Mix of the Local Plan. He also outlined concerns about the accessibility of the product given income levels in Arun.

 

Members then took part in a full debate on the item where a number of points were raised including:

·       the scope and mix of housing (apartments, houses etc) and whether a range of property types was intended to be offered

·       the implications or limitations when a property purchased in this way is sold on, and the discount being maintained through future sales

·       the affordability of the scheme for younger people

·       whether the figures in the policy could be revised if house prices continued to rise

·       concerns over second homes and changes to working caused by the pandemic and potential impacts for Arun

·       the relationship with the Local Plan, and whether it was included or separate from the affordable housing allocations of the Local Plan

 

The Planning Policy and Conservation Team Leader provided Members with responses to all points raised during the debate. He highlighted that all housing development schemes and their mix of affordable properties would be different depending on the Council’s identified local housing needs set out in the Local Plan supporting evidence base, as well as the needs of the market, and that the discount would entered into the deeds of the property by the Land Registry.

 

The recommendation was then proposed and seconded.

 

The Committee

 

RECOMMEND TO FULL COUNCIL

 

The proposed approach to accommodating the Government’s ‘First Homes’ policy requirement, as part of the Affordable Housing tenure mix provision in Arun, as set out in section 1.12 and Appendix 1 of the report and that it should be published as an interim policy statement on the Council’s web site.

Report author: Kevin Owen

Publication date: 06/12/2021

Date of decision: 30/11/2021

Decided at meeting: 30/11/2021 - Planning Policy Committee

Accompanying Documents: