To receive information regarding the Affordable Housing Guidance note, consider proposals for planning guidance for the south of Central Bedfordshire and recommend a decision by the Executive.

The Local Planning and Housing Manager delivered a presentation relating to the Affordable Housing Guidance note which outlined the purpose of the guidance, the evidence of the approach, that the guidance would support planning decisions, that it was compliant with national policy, the risks of not adopting the guidance and next steps which included an Executive decision on 5 April 2016. That the target and threshold would be carried forward into the emerging policy in the new Local Plan.

In response to a Member query the Local Planning and Housing Manager explained the reasons why the guidance for the South of Central Bedfordshire did not extend to the North. This was due to an adopted development plan policy in the north that sought a target in excess of the identified affordable housing need. There was therefore no advantage in extending the guidance to the north when a plan policy carried greater weight in decision making than planning guidance. In addition and with regards to any impact of the change to existing but as yet undetermined applications, the approach would be determined on a case by case basis until eventually all current cases had transitioned onto the proposed levels.

The Chairman queried whether developments of just 4 units would provide one affordable home as stated in the guidance and the Executive Member for Regeneration confirmed that in exceptional circumstances, a commuted sum would be sought from the developer to provide an off-site contribution.

RECOMMENDED that the Committee endorse the proposals and a decision taken by the Executive.