Local List Glossary

When is this required?

• residential development proposals located outside the "designated rural area" which are for 10 or more dwellings or where the site has an area of 0.5 hectares or more, irrespective of the number of proposed dwellings;
• residential development proposals located within the "designated rural area" which are for 6 or more dwellings or where the site has an area of 0.5 hectares or more, irrespective of the number of proposed dwellings; and
• residential development proposals which include, or should include an element of affordable housing, such as rural exception sites and exception sites for first time buyers.

The statement should take account of the findings of the North Devon and Torridge Housing and Economic Needs Assessment (May 2016), or successor assessments and any parish-based housing needs surveys for affordable housing.

What information is required?

The statement should specify the proposed housing tenure and mix and provide a justification for the amount and type provided. Typically, the statement should include the following:

• an explanation of how the development will contribute towards meeting local housing needs;
• the total number of all residential units and the number of affordable units. The tenure types proposed should be clearly and fully explained in line with policy expectations;
• numbers of bedrooms and property type across all tenures to demonstrate a representative mix of unit types; and
• numbered plots allocated for each housing type and tenure (Full/Reserved Matters only).

Where a policy compliant scheme is not proposed the statement should set out clearly the justification as to why a variance in housing mix or affordable housing (including affordable housing mix) is proposed. The statement should be supported by a viability appraisal where viability forms all or part of the justification for non-policy compliance. The viability appraisal will normally be required to be independently verified, with the applicant being liable for reasonable costs incurred by the local planning authority and that it will be available for public inspection.

For applications proposing development on the basis of Policy ST19: Affordable Housing on Exception Sites, which includes an element of market housing, a viability appraisal will normally be required to demonstrate that number of proposed market dwellings is necessary and appropriate.

For applications proposing development on the basis of Policy ST19A: Starter Homes Exception Sites, evidence will be required which demonstrates that the site is no longer suitable for its current or former use and does not result in the loss of economic growth prospects or important community services and facilities. Where an element of market housing is proposed a viability appraisal will be required to demonstrate that it is necessary and appropriate.

Relevant Policy and reason for the document:

North Devon and Torridge Local Plan 2011-2031: http://consult.torridge.gov.uk/portal/planning/localplan/adoption/

North Devon and Torridge Local Plan Policy: ST17: A Balanced Local Housing Market

North Devon and Torridge Local Plan Policy: ST18: Affordable Housing on Development Sites

North Devon and Torridge Local Plan Policy: ST19: Affordable Housing on Exception Sites

North Devon and Torridge Local Plan Policy: ST19A: Starter Homes Exception Sites

North Devon and Torridge Practice Note 1: Affordable Housing on Development Sites (January 2019): http://consult.torridge.gov.uk/portal/planning/localplan/adoption/

North Devon and Torridge Practice Note 2: Entry Level Exception Sites (January 2019): http://consult.torridge.gov.uk/portal/planning/localplan/adoption/

National Planning Policy Framework paragraph 71 in respect of entry level exception sites https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2:

Further information sources:

North Devon and Torridge Economic Needs Assessment (May 2016 G L Hearn) Examination Document CE21: http://consult.torridge.gov.uk/portal/planning/localplan/examination/

North Devon and Torridge Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document: https://consult.torridge.gov.uk/kse/folder/89756