In common with much of Southern England, the communities of Mid Devon are under strain due to the lack of affordable housing. This section intends to give guidance to local communities and others on how to achieve affordable housing for local people.
In Mid Devon we are fortunate because we live in a beautiful part of England but this comes at a price. Buyers from the wealthier parts of the country have moved into our pretty villages and towns and house prices have increased beyond the reach of many local people.
There are changes in Government thinking at present and affordable housing is now high on the agenda for discussion. Through the planning process, developers must now contribute to affordable housing.
What are the effects of the shortage of rural housing?
* People forced to move away from families and friends to find somewhere to live
* Homelessness and overcrowding
* Loss of young, skilled and active people
* An ageing population in small towns and villages
* Falling school rolls
* Shops, post offices, pubs and garages close due to lack of customers
* Public transport becomes unviable
How can affordable homes be built in the rural settlements and towns?
Although there are only a few housing sites available in our small towns and villages, it is possible to build if a clear local housing need is established. Exceptions can be made to the normal village or town development boundary. The planning conditions (section 106 agreements) of any exception site will be that local people are housed in the properties built in perpetuity.
Housing associations or registered social landlords (RSLs) also buy sites for 100% affordable housing. often affordable houses are included within new open market housing development.
Consultation
Consultation with the local community is essential to ensure that the new homes become accepted as a community asset.
Steps in the process for villages
* The local parish (normally through the Parish/Town Council) decides to investigate housing need
* The idea is discussed with the District Council and a local Housing Needs Survey is carried out to see if there is a need
* The survey is analysed for: numbers of bedrooms, rented, shared ownership/homebuy etc.
* If a need for affordable housing for local people is established we look for a suitable site.
* We discuss the site with the Planning Department
* We select the most appropriate development partner - normally a Housing Association
* The Housing Association and District Council obtain funding for the scheme
* Formal Planning Permission and Building Regulation Approval is sought
* Build the houses
* Allocate local people as tenants or shared owners
What does a typical scheme include?
* Affordable housing for local people
* Discounted land
* A planning agreement (sometimes) to ensure that the new homes are occupied by local people in the long term
* Careful and sympathetic design
* Good quality and fuel efficient buildings
* A mix of homes for rent and low cost home ownership depending on the need
* Low housing costs because of public subsidy
Design and construction standards
Modern social housing is designed and built to a high specification, often setting the standard for private developers to follow.
The objective is to build houses that enhance the village or town landscape but are practical and affordable.
Where possible local building materials are used and local design features are incorporated. This means that from the outside it may be difficult to tell the new housing from the established. Two parking spaces are normally provided, as are gardens.
Internal facilities include energy efficient heating and hot water: two and three bedroom properties normally have a second toilet at ground floor level; windows and doors are constructed of wood from sustainable sources.
How to contact us
Cathrine Simmons
Housing Development Officer
Phoenix House,
Phoenix Lane
Tiverton
EX16 6PP
TEL: 01884 234904
FAX: 01884 242907
Email:csimmons@middevon.gov.uk
Affordable Housing
In partnership with Housing Providers & Associations.
