Agenda item

(copy herewith)

The Interim Head of the West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit presented the report to the Committee explaining that the purpose of the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was to provide interim supplementary guidance for the Daventry District, Northampton Borough and South Northamptonshire Councils.  The Committee was asked to note the responses received as set out in paragraphs 4.1 to 4.11 and to support the next steps as outlined in paragraphs 5.1 to 5.3 of the report.

The Interim Head commented that consultation had taken place between 9 April and 26 May 2009 and had been publicised in the press, with details also on the website and over 2000 notification letters and e-mails had been sent out.  In summarising the responses, the Interim Head drew particular attention to concern about the threshold for affordable homes in rural areas and this had highlighted a need for flexibility about the viability of affordable homes, especially given the current market conditions.

Councillor Church commented that there appeared to be a contradiction in paragraph 4.6 of the report where it stated that affordable housing be kept to a minimum in rural areas and yet affordable housing was seen as beneficial for local populations.  Councillor Stephen Clarke expressed the importance of meeting local needs in this respect.

Councillor Ken Melling questioned the term ‘tenure blind design’ in paragraph 4.9 and it was pointed out that this was when developments were designed in such a way that affordable housing was not easily distinguishable within a development.

Councillor Wendy Amos expressed concern at the delay on progressing the SPD but was reassured that the SPD was an interim document pending the adoption of the Affordable Housing and Developer Contributions DPD and that delaying until the end of August would ensure that up to date evidence was included.  No penalty would be incurred for the delay.

Mr David Dickinson confirmed that tenure blind design did not imply that all developments would look the same, but that affordable housing would not be identifiable within a development. In response to a query from Councillor Robin Brown, Mr Dickinson commented that both tenure blind design and pepper potting were needed. Mr Dickinson commented that, with the first annual review in December 2009 of the Tenants Services Authority, which had been set up in December 2008, he felt that there were good practical reasons for the delay in completing the SPD so that changes could be made as a result of the consultation.

Councillor Chris Over expressed concern about the sustainability of affordable homes, given residents’ right to buy and potential transformation of affordable homes to unaffordable properties.  It was pointed out that there was little that could be done about this unless properties were reserved for older people.  The same issue would arise at the completion of purchase of homes that were currently shared ownership.  Councillor Andre Gonzales de Savage stressed the importance of building in a percentage of affordable and other homes for older people.  It was pointed out that there was currently liaison with the County Council on this issue, although it was felt that a large proportion of the elderly wanted to remain in their own homes.  However, a good mix of property types was important, as was consideration of the needs of local population.

RESOLVED

That the responses received be noted and the ‘Next Steps’ outlined in the report be supported.