- Require proposals for new homes including new build schemes and redevelopment proposals to be well designed and located to create socially mixed and sustainable neighbourhoods.
- Seek the provision of a mix of housing types sizes and tenures at a local level to meet the needs of all sectors of the community. This includes the provision of family sized and smaller housing units and provision for those unable to compete financially in the housing market sector and those with special needs. All new housing will be built to lifetime home standards and 10% of new housing will be wheelchair accessible or easily adaptable for residents who are wheelchair users.
- Aim for the borough-wide affordable housing target of 40% which is equivalent to the numerical target of 1,920 affordable homes in Merton for the period 2011- 2026.
- We will expect the following level of affordable housing units to be provided on individual sites:
| Threshold | Affordable Housing Target (Units) | Affordable Housing Tenure Split | Provision Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 units or more | 40% | 60% Social Rented and 40% Intermediate | On-Site: Only in exceptional circumstances will the council consider the provision of affordable housing off-site or financial contributions in lieu of provision on-site and this must be justified. |
| 1-9 units | 20% | 60% Social Rented and 40% Intermediate | Provision of an affordable housing equivalent to that provided on-site as a financial contribution. |
- In seeking affordable housing provision we will have regard to site characteristics such as site size, site suitability and economics of provision such as financial viability issues and other planning contributions.
For more information, please see the Core Planning Strategy.