Policy information sourced from Richmond Upon Thames Local Plan
LP 36 Affordable Housing
The Council expects:
- 50% of all housing units will be affordable housing, this 50% will comprise a tenure mix of 40% of the affordable housing for rent and 10% of the affordable intermediate housing.
- the affordable housing mix should reflect the need for larger rented family units and the Council’s guidance on tenure and affordability, based on engagement with a Registered Provider to maximise delivery.
Where on-site provision is required, an application should be accompanied by evidence of meaningful discussions with a Registered Provider which have informed the proposed tenure, size of units and design to address local priorities and explored funding opportunities.
A contribution towards affordable housing will be expected on all housing sites. The following requirements apply:
- on all former employment sites at least 50% on-site provision. Where possible, a greater proportion than 50% affordable housing on individual sites should be achieved.
- on all other sites capable of ten or more units gross 50% on-site provision. Where possible, a greater proportion than 50% affordable housing on individual sites should be achieved.
- on sites below the threshold of ‘capable of ten or more units gross’, a financial contribution to the Affordable Housing Fund commensurate with the scale of development, in line with the sliding scales set out below and in the Affordable Housing SPD
| No. of units proposed (gross) | % Affordable Housing: For conversions and reversions (where there is no loss of former employment floorspace. | % Affordable Housing: For new build development or redevelopment (where there is no loss of former employment floorspace) | % Affordable Housing: For any units replacing employment floorspace |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 units | 36% | 45% | 90% |
| 8 units | 32% | 40% | 80% |
| 7 units | 28% | 35% | 70% |
| 6 units | 24% | 30% | 60% |
| 5 units | 20% | 25% | 50% |
| 4 units | 16% | 20% | 40% |
| 3 units | 12% | 15% | 30% |
| 2 units | 8% | 10% | 20% |
| 1 unit | 4% | 5% | 10% |
In accordance with A and B, the Council will seek the maximum reasonable amount of affordable housing when negotiating on individual private residential and mixed-use schemes. The Council will have regard to:
- economic viability;
- individual site costs;
- the availability of public subsidy; and
- the overall mix of uses and other planning benefits.
Where a reduction to an affordable housing contribution is sought from the requirements in A and B on economic viability grounds, developers should provide a development appraisal to demonstrate that schemes are maximising affordable housing. The developer will be required to underwrite the costs of a Council commissioned economic viability assessment. The Council will rigorously evaluate such appraisals and:
- assess if the maximum reasonable amount of affordable housing is based on delivering the appropriate tenure, unit sizes and types that address local needs.
- consider whether it is necessary to secure provision for re-appraising the viability of a scheme prior to implementation to secure contingent obligations.
- in most circumstances the Existing Use Value plus a premium (EUV+) approach to assessing benchmark land value in development appraisals and viability assessments should form the primary basis for determining the benchmark land value.
For more information please see the Local Plan