Policy information sourced from the East Herts District Plan
HOU4 Rural Exception Affordable Housing Sites
Proposals for rural exception affordable housing schemes, on sites that would not normally be acceptable for general housing development, may be permitted, subject to the following criteria:
- The exception site is adjacent to an existing built-up area boundary, or is well related to existing residential development and amenities located in, or adjacent to, a clearly identifiable village or settlement;
- The proposed development will contribute towards meeting an identified need for affordable housing within the parish; and
- The proposed development would be appropriate to the settlement and area in which it is proposed to be located in terms of scale, form and character.
The Council will base its assessment of identified housing need on the Housing Register and other available up-to-date housing needs assessments.
A small number of market homes may be permitted, at the Council’s discretion, where a viability assessment demonstrates that a cross subsidy is necessary to make the scheme viable. Any market housing provided will be expected to meet identified local needs.
Where permission is granted this will be subject to planning obligations and will include safeguards that the scheme provides for the identified local affordable housing need and will continue to do so in perpetuity.
For more information please see the District Plan