Policy CS10 Housing need

It is the Council’s aspiration to achieve 50% affordable housing as a proportion of all provision, over the plan period as a whole. Housing provision will include a mix of dwelling types, size and tenure to meet the needs of Bexley’s current and future population. In residential schemes of ten units or more, the Council will seek the maximum reasonable amount of affordable housing. In particular:

Where a developer suggests that site viability does not permit full provision at the level required by the policy, this position will need to be demonstrated through a full financial appraisal before any agreement is made to amend the mix of tenures and then to reduce the proportion of affordable housing.

Where possible, contributions from any available funds, e.g. grants from the Homes and Community Agency (HCA), will be sought to bring marginal or unviable schemes to viability.

As with market housing, the affordable housing mix should reflect the need for a variety of dwelling sizes. In this respect, a balance between unit sizes will be sought from individual schemes, where appropriate.

In order to promote mixed and balanced communities, affordable housing provided as part of a market development will be expected to be integrated within the site.

In accordance with the requirements of the London Plan, all new homes will need to meet lifetime homes standards, and 10% of all future housing provision should be suitable or easily adapted for wheelchair users.

For more information please see the Bexley Core Strategy