Policy information sourced from Thurrock Core Strategy and Policies for Management of Development
CSTP2 – THE PROVISION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
In order to address the current and future need for Affordable Housing in Thurrock, the Council will seek the minimum provision of 35% of the total number of residential units built to be provided as Affordable Housing. The Council’s policy is that provision should be maintained in perpetuity as Affordable Housing as far as legally possible.
The Council will seek Affordable Housing to meet local needs on qualifying sites subject to:
- its suitability for on-site provision;
- the economics of providing affordable housing;
- the extent to which the provision of affordable housing would prejudice other planning objectives to be met from the development of the site; and
- the mix of units necessary to meet local needs and achieve a successful sustainable socially inclusive development.
The Council recognises that the majority of Thurrock’s identified housing land supply is on Previously Developed Land often subject to a variety of physical constraints. The capacity of a site to deliver a level of Affordable Housing that can be supported financially will be determined by individual site ‘open book’ economic viability analysis where deemed appropriate. This analysis will take into consideration existing use values, as well as other site-specific factors.
In some areas of Thurrock, the local need for Affordable Housing may be less than 35%. In this case the Council will require a financial contribution to off-site Affordable Housing provision at the equivalent rate to meet priority needs elsewhere within Thurrock.
In order to meet the overall target, the Council will seek to achieve, where viable, 35% Affordable Housing on all new housing developments capable of accommodating 10 or more dwellings or sites of 0.5 ha or more irrespective of the number of dwellings. Sites below threshold will make an equivalent financial contribution towards off-site provision.
The Affordable Housing provision should seek to achieve a target of 70% social rented accommodation with the balance being provided as intermediate housing. In determining the amount and mix of Affordable Housing to be delivered, specific site conditions and other material considerations including viability, redevelopment of previously developed land or mitigation of contamination will be taken into account.
Where appropriate for specific sites, criteria setting out variations in the form the contribution should take (including tenure mix) will be provided in the Site Specific Allocations and Policies DPD.
The following Affordable Housing dwelling size mix will generally be sought where affordable housing is provided:
| Dwelling size: No. bedrooms | 1-Bed | 2-Bed | 3-Bed | 4-Bed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable Housing Provision | 40% | 35% | 15% | 10% |
Where this affordable mix is not considered appropriate developers will be required to justify to the satisfaction of the Council a more appropriate affordable dwelling mix.
The above proportions relating to social rented housing, intermediate housing and dwelling size may be varied where justified and with agreement with the Council; the Council will take account of the latest available evidence from the SHMA (or its equivalent successor).
The Council will require developments to integrate Affordable Housing and market housing, with a consistent standard of quality design and public spaces, to create mixed and sustainable communities.
Key Diagram and Maps
Not Applicable
For more information please see the Core Strategy and Policies for Management of Development