Local needs affordable housing can be developed on rural exception sites. These are areas of land outside the development framework boundary but in good proximity to the village that would not normally be permitted development; an exception can be made to normal planning policy, if there is a proven need for affordable housing for local people. Open market housing cannot be delivered on these sites unless it is required to help finance the affordable housing, as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. If this does occur, the developer must prove to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) that they need this cross-subsidy for viability reasons; this is usually around two properties and can be geared towards the needs of older people wanting to downsize. A Section 106 planning agreement ties in the affordable homes for people with a local connection only. There is no right to buy the rented homes, so they remain affordable in perpetuity for the community.
Because the land would not achieve planning for open market housing, its value is lower than that for open market housing; these land values make it possible to deliver the homes. If you are a landowner and would like to discuss your land, please do get in touch.
Community Land Trusts (CLT) can also develop on exception sites; the same affordable housing and local connection criteria/CLT area of benefit must apply.