Policy DM7 - Dwelling Mix, Size and Type

Object

Representation ID: 1629

Received: 16/05/2014

Respondent: Moon A Limited

Agent: Planning Works Ltd

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

Policy should be explicit in relation to the circumstances when deviation from the preferred dwelling mix could be appropriate.

While the policy acknowledges in very general terms that significant deviation from the preferred mix must be justified and demonstrated, it should be explicit in relation to the circumstances when such a deviation might or might not be acceptable.

DM7(i) already acknowledges that family housing (i.e. 3 and 4 bed dwellings) will only be appropriate on certain sites but does not say what is or is not an appropriate site. Since the target for family housing on every site is 69% of the mix, the policy wording needs to be explicit.

The policy also needs to define "significantly" since this is a key trigger in establishing if the dwelling mix target should be met on any given site.

Consideration should also be given to introducing a threshold above which the dwelling mix policy would apply.

Support

Representation ID: 1658

Received: 16/05/2014

Respondent: Cogent Land LLP (Cogent)

Agent: Iceni Projects Ltd

The new version of the proposed submission version contains references to "where viable and feasible" in the policies related to dwelling mixes and types (DM7). This addition is supported in principle as it is considered particularly important in the context of the NPPF.

Support

Representation ID: 1659

Received: 16/05/2014

Respondent: Cogent Land LLP (Cogent)

Agent: Iceni Projects Ltd

The findings of the SHMA are reflected in the housing mix policy (DM7), which requires a mix of housing types including family homes. Cogent land support this intention, particularly the requirement for 69% of the total number of market homes to be 3 or 4 beds. This is critical in ensuring that the housing needs of the area are met. The shortage of family homes in the borough has the potential to further intensify the housing problem facing SBC in the face of future population growth

Comment

Representation ID: 1660

Received: 16/05/2014

Respondent: Cogent Land LLP (Cogent)

Agent: Iceni Projects Ltd

In the 10 years from 2002 to 2012 over 70% of homes built were flats rather than houses and approximately 80% of all homes contained only 2 bedrooms or less. This may be attributable to the reluctance of SBC to release larger sites for housing development, particularly those on the edge of the urban areas or in the Green Belt. Furthermore, the economic development aspirations, particularly those uses to be located around the airport, result in their own demand for new housing. In particular, the new employees are likely to have a requirement for family homes also. The serious need for family homes needs to be addressed now, and the only way is through the release of larger sites for residential development.