In order to contribute to the creation of mixed communities, the priority will be for affordable housing to be delivered on the main application site. Off-site provision or a commuted payment will only be supported where it can be robustly justified and where it would result in the delivery of at least an equivalent number of new affordable homes or to a broadly equivalent value. Unless otherwise agreed, alternative delivery should be made within the same settlement as the main application site and still contribute to the creation of mixed communities.

Rural Exceptions Sites to provide small scale affordable housing schemes of up to 4 new dwellings within or adjoining the borough’s Green Belt villages, and adjoining those excluded villages where no sites have been allocated for housing within this Plan, will be supported where it can be robustly demonstrated that the proposed development is required to help address the identified housing needs of the local community.

Self-build and Custom Housebuilding: On sites of 100 or more non-flatted dwellings, 2% of serviced dwelling plots should be provided to contribute towards meeting the evidenced demand for Self-build and Custom Housebuilding in the borough. Serviced plots of land for Self-build and Custom Housebuilding will also be supported on other allocated sites or permitted windfall sites where overall, this would not result in an over-provision of this type of housebuilding when compared to the Council’s supply/demand evidence.

Housing for older people: As part of the overall housing target, a net increase of around 620 dwellings will be supported to help meet the varied housing needs of an ageing population, through the provision of a range of housing types and options such as sheltered housing, flexi-care, extra-care, assisted living and other forms of supported housing, provided such developments are located in accessible locations. Around 5% of all new housing delivered at Strategic Development Sites should comprise housing which is specially designed for older people.

Specialist housing: In addition to the overall housing target, a net increase of around 200 bed-spaces to help meet the accommodation needs of those who need specialist (Use Class C2) residential or nursing care will be supported in the borough’s towns and excluded villages.

Accessible and Adaptable and Wheelchair User dwellings: At least 20% of all new dwellings on sites involving 5 or more new dwellings will be required to meet Building Regulations Part M4(2) standards for ‘accessible and adaptable dwellings’ (or as subsequently amended) the delivery of which should be distributed across market and affordable tenures. This proportion may be varied where dwellings are proposed to meet Part M4(3) standards for ‘wheelchair user dwellings’ (or as subsequently amended).

Pitch provision for Gypsies and Travellers: Sites have been allocated to facilitate the delivery of additional 61 pitches over the plan period to meet the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers. Delivery will be phased over the plan period and pitch delivery in the later part of the plan period will be brought forward where the need continues to be demonstrated as evidenced by future reviews of accommodation needs assessments.

Houses in Multiple Occupation: To maintain mixed, balanced, sustainable and inclusive communities, applications for Houses in Multiple Occupation will only be approved where they would not create an over concentration of such accommodation resulting in an imbalance within local communities or other significant adverse impacts. Proposals should comply with the Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document.

Purpose built student accommodation: Purpose built student accommodation to meet the demonstrated needs of higher education providers in the borough will be supported where:

For more information please see the Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan