Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 11336

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Habiko LLP (c/o Muse)

I&O_11834
No. The funding of infrastructure requirements should be determined on a case-by-case basis, informed by the Local Plan Infrastructure Delivery Plan, reflecting the scale of development which would benefit from that investment.

Comment

Representation ID: 11339

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Habiko LLP (c/o Muse)

I&O_11837
Habiko is supportive of the approach to providing a range and choice of homes to meet the needs of the local area and agrees that the emerging Local Plan should encourage a mix of house types, sizes and tenures to be delivered across the Borough, helping to ensure choice for homebuyers. The Council intends to ‘substantially amend’ current planning policy concerning housing mix – namely Local Plan (Part One) policy SOC 3 and Local Plan (Part Two) policy DM 20 to reflect the evidence of the Housing Needs Assessment. Such an assessment is yet to be prepared however the R18 LP proposes to introduce specific policy requirements regarding mix and tenure (e.g. x% of 1-2 bed dwelling). In response to Questions HO 1 and HO 2, it is considered that the Council’s current policy allows for a greater degree of flexibility to account for particular and changing market demands. To this extent it is requested that the future policy be worded in a similar way which isn’t proscriptive and allows for mix to be determined based on particular market considerations, not least differing market requirements within the Borough’s urban and rural areas. In any event, the policy will need to be carefully worded so as to take account of viability and defined housing markets.

Comment

Representation ID: 11346

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Habiko LLP (c/o Muse)

I&O_11844
Habiko is supportive of the approach to providing a range and choice of homes to meet the needs of the local area and agrees that the emerging Local Plan should encourage a mix of house types, sizes and tenures to be delivered across the Borough, helping to ensure choice for homebuyers. The Council intends to ‘substantially amend’ current planning policy concerning housing mix – namely Local Plan (Part One) policy SOC 3 and Local Plan (Part Two) policy DM 20 to reflect the evidence of the Housing Needs Assessment. Such an assessment is yet to be prepared however the R18 LP proposes to introduce specific policy requirements regarding mix and tenure (e.g. x% of 1-2 bed dwelling). In response to Questions HO 1 and HO 2, it is considered that the Council’s current policy allows for a greater degree of flexibility to account for particular and changing market demands. To this extent it is requested that the future policy be worded in a similar way which isn’t proscriptive and allows for mix to be determined based on particular market considerations, not least differing market requirements within the Borough’s urban and rural areas. In any event, the policy will need to be carefully worded so as to take account of viability and defined housing markets.

Comment

Representation ID: 11347

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Habiko LLP (c/o Muse)

I&O_11845
In response to Question HO 4, whilst Habiko LLP welcomes the greater certainty this proposed approach provides, we would object to the lack of reference to viability constraints. It is also noted that Habiko’s emerging proposals comprise an entirely affordable development made possible through Homes England grant funding. Such funding would not be provided should the Council seek to secure affordable housing obligations through the planning system. The procurement of affordable housing via alternative means should therefore be considered an alternative or, at least, ‘exceptional circumstance’ of the emerging policy.