Housing Size Mix

Policy HO.1 Housing Size Mix The preferred size mix for affordable and market homes is set out below. The final mix achieved on any site will be informed by the latest available evidence taking into account any relevant and evidenced site-specific issues and local market circumstances. Dwelling Size Affordable Housing Person Capacity Affordable Housing for Rent Affordable Home Ownership Market Housing 1 Bed 2 Person 20-30% 10% or less 5-10% 2 Bed 4 Person 35-45% 40-50% 25-30% 3 Bed 5 or 6 Person 25-30% 40-50% 40-45% 4 Bed+ 7 or 8 Person 5-10% 10% or less 20-25% The person capacities set out above relate are mandatory for affordable homes and recommended for market homes. Policy HO.1 ~ Development Management Considerations The use of a percentage range for each house size rather than a fixed percentage allows a degree of flexibility to address site specific issues and where application of the percentages results in a fraction of a dwelling. Applicants are recommended to use the midpoint of the percentage range figures as a starting point when designing a development. Policy Justification 5.1.2 The Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2026 (SHMA) assessed the need for different sizes of homes, with recommendations given separately for market housing, rented affordable housing and affordable home ownership housing. These recommendations are reflected in the policy. 5.1.3 Rented affordable housing is allocated to households based on need in accordance with the bedroom entitlement rules. These rules expect certain groups to share bedrooms rather than have their own rooms, including couples and two children of the same gender under the age of 16. As such it is important to ensure the bedrooms in affordable homes are doubles/twins wherever possible and as a minimum, in line with the person capacities stated in the policy. 5.1.4 Affordable home ownership housing is not subject to the same rules however to ensure homes remain desirable to Registered Providers (RP’s) who will buy the units from developers and to allow for flexibility for changes in tenure if required, the person capacities are extended to cover all affordable tenures. 5.1.5 In respect of the size mix for affordable home ownership units, unlike for rented affordable homes, households are able to choose the size of home that suits their requirements and preferences, subject to passing affordability checks. For this reason, Registered Providers can find it difficult to sell 1-bedroom Affordable Home Ownership dwellings as many households choose to buy a larger home than they need. To allow flexibility around 1-bedroom Intermediate Homes the policy requirement allows ‘up to 10%’ as it is accepted that for some sites it may not be practical to include 1 bed units, whilst on others, especially in town centre