Policy information sourced from Barking and Dagenham Adopted Core Strategy

POLICY CC1: FAMILY HOUSING

A range of accommodation types and sizes will be expected in all new developments, taking into account factors such as site suitability, identified local and regional housing needs, density, proximity to services and the need for play and informal recreation provisions (either integral to new development or within walking distance).

Major housing developments (10 units or more) will generally be expected to provide a minimum of 40% family accommodation, (i.e. three bedroom, four bedroom or larger units). This will apply to both affordable and market housing.

Not all sites will be suitable for family sized accommodation. For example in town centre locations where the size and form of the site is too tight, and where it would not be possible to provide a satisfactory environment for young children, particularly in respect of access to external amenity space.

However, unless such circumstances can be demonstrated and cannot be resolved, developments comprised solely of one and / or two bedroom flats will not be acceptable as these alone do not meet identified local or regional housing needs or contribute to a mixed and balanced community.

It is anticipated that the 40% target may be hard to achieve on certain sites in the Barking Town Centre Area Action Plan. That document will therefore consider which of the potential development sites in that area are particularly suitable for family housing and where the 40% target should therefore be met. Elsewhere in the Barking Town Centre Area Action Plan Area a lower target of 30% should be met.