Fareham Affordable Housing Workshop: March 2005

Main Points Raised

General

• The Council should be introducing changes in policy through the core strategy;
• The dependence on small sites is a problem; should there be a commuted sum or tariff?

Targets

• Housing target 100-175, should be setting targets that are achievable
• The Council has failed to achieve targets in recent years – solution to affordable housing – housing land market

Site size thresholds

• A new norm of 10 – 15 dwellings in South East;
• Should there be different thresholds for previously developed and greenfield sites?

Percentage of affordable housing sought

• Viability needs to be considered; brownfield sites may not be brought forward for housing if 40% affordable housing is sought;
• 40% is a blunt instrument – needs more sophistication with a lower % on previously developed land than on greenfield land?
• The percentage should be based on bedrooms/bed spaces/habitable rooms
• The percentage of affordable housing sought should use a cascade approach with larger sites providing a higher percentage of affordable housing.
• There should be an economic viability calculation that considers all costs (e.g. Infrastructure)

Tenure Mix

• Tenures should be mixed and affordable housing designed so that people cannot tell the difference between social rented and owner occupation;
• Should key worker housing be provided?
• Shared ownership needs more promotion and entry level should be 25% rather than 50%