The Isle of Wight council is inviting comments on a draft Housing Affordability Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), with a view to formally adopting it to use in planning decision making.
The draft Housing Affordability SPD updates what information needs to be considered in planning applications that are required to provide affordable housing.
Guidance on affordable housing revised
Since the adoption of the Island Plan Core Strategy in 2012, which includes the current affordable housing policy DM4, national planning policy guidance on affordable housing has been revised.
Locally, updated evidence has been collected that reflects the significant changes in the housing market on the Island in recent years.
Island Plan currently paused
While a new affordable housing policy can only be agreed through the Draft Island Planning Strategy (draft IPS) — which is currently paused awaiting changes to national policy — it is considered that the Housing Affordability SPD will update and clarify how policy DM4 is used when making decisions on planning applications until such time as the draft IPS is adopted.
Stephens: Focusing on types of affordable homes we desperately need
Councillor Ian Stephens, Cabinet member for housing, said,
“The housing market on the Island has changed dramatically over the past couple of years and even more so since our current affordable housing policy was adopted in 2012.
“The Housing Affordability SPD will allow us to ensure that any affordable housing that is provided through the planning system is focused on the types of affordable homes we desperately need locally.”
Providing clear guidance
The purpose of the SPD is to provide clear guidance on the types of affordable housing most needed on the Island, as well as the target mix — with a clear focus on social and affordable rented properties.
The draft SPD also details the data sources to be used when identifying what local affordable housing requirements are in a particular part of the Island, with an emphasis on using up-to-date local housing needs surveys where they have been carried out.
The document also provides an outline of the how the affordable housing process works from planning permission through to the occupation of homes.
Fuller: Important to include new guidance
Councillor Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, said,
“In advance of the Draft IPS moving forward, it was felt important to include new guidance supporting housing that residents could truly afford.
“We believe this SPD can provide a stepping stone that focuses on the Island affordable housing that is desperately needed for our residents. To support this please let us know what you think through this consultation.”
Share your views
The draft Housing Affordability SPD is available to view and download on our Website (or see embedded below for your convenience), along with further information relating to the consultation.
A questionnaire can be filled in online, or alternatively comments can be submitted by email to [email protected] or by post to Planning Services, Seaclose Office, Fairlee Road, Newport, PO30 2QS.
Copies of the documents and large print questionnaires are also available to view at County Hall and Seaclose office (from Monday 19th June). The closing date for comments is Friday 28th July 2023.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: Dries Augustyns under CC BY 2.0
