Policy information sourced from the Richmond Upon Thames Local Plan

Policy 12 Housing Needs of Different Groups

A. The loss of existing housing will be resisted where it meets identified specific community needs, unless it can be shown that:

  1. The accommodation is no longer needed.
  2. The existing accommodation will be adequately re-provided to an equivalent or greater standard in a different way or elsewhere.
  3. The new accommodation will instead meet another identified priority local need.

B. Planning permission will be granted for new accommodation where housing is providing for an identified local need, across a range of tenures, providing they are on a site and in a location suitable for that particular use, and in accordance with environmental, transport, parking and other relevant policies. A legal agreement will be necessary to secure the nature of provision, and any necessary future control in terms of eligibility and affordability for future occupiers. The following will be taken into account:

  1. All residential uses are expected to contribute to the highest priority affordable housing needs as set out in Policy 11 ‘Affordable Housing (Strategic Policy) ‘, and contribute to creating mixed, balanced and inclusive communities.The highest priority is for on-site general needs affordable housing.
  2. All residential uses should demonstrate how higher standards of accessible and inclusive design have been met.
  3. Proposals which provide adaptations and alterations to enable residents to live independently and safely remaining in their existing property will be supported. Proposals for new specialist older persons’ housing will be assessed against London Plan Policy H13, where it meets identified local need as set out in the Council’s Local Housing Needs Assessment, housing and commissioning strategies, including how an affordable housing contribution has been maximised. Applicants for specialist older persons’ housing should demonstrate how the design will address the needs of people with dementia and other long-term health conditions, and be informed by discussions with providers and demonstrate accordance with the Council’s commissioning and housing strategies. An Operational Management Plan will be required to secure minimum levels of care and eligibility restrictions to prioritise local needs.
  4. Proposals for supported housing will be supported where they have been designed to meet identified local needs and are in accordance with the Council’s housing and commissioning strategies and London Plan Policy H12. Proposals should demonstrate how the design will address the level of support needed for future residents, and be informed by discussions with providers and demonstrate accordance with the Council’s commissioning and housing strategies.
  5. Proposals for custom, self-build and community-led housing will be supported where it can be demonstrated that the residential density of the site has been optimised and other policy requirements have been met, including those for affordable housing in accordance with Policy 11 ‘Affordable Housing (Strategic Policy) ‘.
  6. Proposals for student accommodation to meet the needs of local institutions will be supported where the maximum level of accommodation is secured as affordable student accommodation in accordance with London Plan Policy H15.
  7. Proposals for Build to Rent of any size will be assessed against London Plan Policy H11 including the need to secure affordable rented provision in perpetuity, along with mechanisms for long-term management.
  8. Proposals for purpose-built shared living of any size will be assessed against London Plan Policy H16, which emphasises design, living conditions and the basis to secure tenancies. Proposals will need to address the need for a contribution to affordable housing.

C. The existing Traveller site at Priest Close and Chapter Way previously referred to as Bishops Grove, Hampton will be protected. Sites for temporary or permanent use for Gypsies and Travellers should meet the following criteria:

  1. The site can provide for a satisfactory arrangement of pitches, permanent buildings and open space;
  2. The use of the site would have no significant adverse effect on the amenity of occupiers of adjoining land;
  3. The use of the site would be acceptable in terms of visual amenity and;
  4. The use could be supported by adequate social infrastructure in the locality, including access to education and health services.

For more information please see the Richmond Upon Thames Local Plan