Policy information sourced from Sevenoaks Core Strategy

SP 4 Affordable Housing in Rural Areas

Small scale developments for affordable housing only will be developed to meet local needs identified through rural housing needs surveys. The following criteria will be applied in identifying sites:

  • the local need identified through the rural housing needs survey cannot be met by any other means through the development of sites within the defined confines of a settlement within the parish or, where appropriate, in an adjacent parish;
  • the proposal is of a size and type suitable to meet the identified local need and will be available at an appropriate affordable cost commensurate with the results of the appraisal. The proposal is accompanied by a financial appraisal proving the scheme will meet the defined need. Schemes which propose an element of cross subsidy will not be acceptable;
  • the proposed site is considered suitable for such purposes by virtue of its scale and is sited within or adjoining an existing village, is close to available services and public transport, and there are no overriding countryside, conservation, environmental, or highway impacts The initial and subsequent occupancy of sites developed under this policy will be controlled through planning conditions and agreements as appropriate to ensure that the accommodation remains available in perpetuity to meet the purposes for which it was permitted.

For more information please see the Core Strategy