The SHMA survey found a need for 698 Affordable houses per year but this exceeds the total number of houses to be built and is justly described as an unrealistic target by the Council. In 7.47 the SHMA suggests that about 77% of new homes being affordable will meet its needs but accepts that 30% is reasonable. We maintain that the SHMA survey is basically flawed.
A recent survey in Barford, Wasperton & Sherbourne has indicated that 10 Affordable homes are needed and that this number will satisfy the foreseeable need. Affordable housing is often only required as a starter home and becomes available for re-occupation after a short time. It is important that the occupiers of Affordable housing have access to good transport facilities to enable them to travel to work or to social activities. It is important therefore that Affordable Housing in Rural locations should be provided only for Local Need so as to minimise the requirements for transport, unless employment opportunities are available in close proximity to the rural housing location.
Local Housing Needs surveys should determine the level of Affordable housing required and a blanket allocation of 40% is likely to fail to provide Affordable housing where it is needed.
A provision in the plan to ensure that funds are available to provide Affordable housing could be made through the CIL so that developments in rural areas providing fewer Affordable homes can assist those in Urban areas who may need to provide a greater proportion of Affordable homes.