The HBF response to this Consultation Paper is seeking to develop a framework through government guidance that will enable the delivery of more affordable housing without constraining the overall housing supply. The submission puts forward amendments to the content of the Consultation Paper and a model affordable housing policy to demonstrate the practical application of the response. Please open attached link at the end of this page for the details of the Consultation Paper. If you have any difficulties opening this document or require any further information please contact James McConnell, Strategic Planning Co-ordinator on 020 7960 1624 or by e-mail james.mcconnell@hbf.co.uk
OVERVIEW:
The submission prescribes a number of key processes that the HBF consider are vital to improving the overall supply of affordable housing without constraining the overall housing supply:
· An initial assessment of the overall housing market, as opposed to the traditional approach of considering affordable housing needs in isolation. This assessment must then be kept up-to-date.
· Preparation of flexible, tenure neutral affordable housing policies that derive from this assessment and permit a range of affordable housing to be negotiated on a site-by-site basis to enable development opportunities to come forward and promote the development of sustainable communities.
· Flexibility in the delivery process to enable private developers to bring forward innovative methods for delivery within this framework. In particular this means putting a stop to local authority partnering arrangements.
· Sensible affordable housing site size thresholds that do not deter smaller sites from being developed thus maintaining the momentum of the housing supply.
· That local authorities must not impose RSL partners on developers as this constrains delivery.
These matters are considered in further detail in the link below.