Fareham Affordable Housing Workshop: March 2005

Main Points Raised

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?

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

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

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)

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%