Policy information sourced from the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033

H2 Affordable Homes

  • On development sites which provide for 11 or more homes, or residential floorspace of more than 1,000 square metres (combined gross internal area), the Council will require 40% of those homes to be affordable and provided onsite. The tenure mix of affordable homes will be required to reflect the latest available housing need. All new homes will be required to meet Building Regulations Requirement M4(2) Accessible and Adaptable Dwelling standards.
  • The management of the affordable homes provided will be undertaken by a Registered Provider which is a Preferred Partner of the Council unless otherwise agreed by the Council. Any relevant scheme will need to demonstrate that the design, siting and phasing of affordable homes provides for its proper integration and timely provision as part of the wider development.
  • The mix of units in respect of size will be determined on a site by site basis dependent on the overall needs for the local area and on the specific characteristics of the individual site. The Council will expect the design, type, size and mix of the affordable homes to be such that the development is ‘tenure blind’ in respect of its character and appearance.
  • Proposals that do not accord with the requirements of Part A (above) must be accompanied by a viability assessment (with supporting evidence), which is transparent and complies with relevant national or local planning policy and guidance applicable at the time.
  • Where it has been demonstrated to the Council’s satisfaction that the provision of affordable homes in accordance with the above levels and the preferred tenure mix as indicated by the most up-to-date evidence would render the scheme unviable, the Council will determine the approach to be taken to achieving viability, where appropriate, having regard to the following available options:
    1. reviewing the tenure mix;
    2. reviewing the extent of other site specific planning obligations; and
    3. reviewing the proportion of affordable homes.
  • In exceptional circumstances, where the Council agrees that it would be inappropriate for the required affordable homes to be provided on-site as part of the development, the Council will accept a financial contribution to fund the provision of affordable homes on another site in the District, provided that the Council is satisfied that:
    1. the financial contribution is at least equivalent to the increased development value if affordable homes are not provided on-site, subject to such a contribution being viable; and
    2. a viability assessment has been provided (with supporting evidence) in accordance with Part D (above) which is transparent and complies with relevant national and local planning policy and guidance applicable at the time, properly assessing the level of financial contribution to be provided.
  • Where a viability assessment has been submitted in accordance with Part D (above) the Council will undertake an independent review of that assessment for which the applicant will bear the cost.

For more information please see the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033