Comment

Representation ID: 22435

Received: 16/03/2020

Respondent: Gladman Developments

Question 32: Self Build Plots 6.3.1 Policy 5 outlines a requirement for all housing sites (allocated or windfall except for flats / apartments) which comprise 40 or more dwellings to set aside a minimum of 5% of the net developable area for serviced plots to be offered for self-build.
6.3.2 Gladman objects to the inclusion of a fixed percentage requirement in relation to the provision of serviced self-build plots.
6.3.3 Whilst recognising the role attributed towards self-build in national planning policy as a source of housing land supply, we do not consider the inclusion of a requirement for all housing schemes over 40 dwellings to commit to onsite provision forms the most effective approach of responding to this source of housing need.
6.3.4 Gladman believes that those wishing to bring forward a self-build or custom build house are unlikely to wish to do this alongside a large-scale housing development. Consequently, rather than including a strict requirement for this provision Gladman would recommend the policy encourages the consideration of the provision of self-build plots in locations where the demand exists.
6.3.5 Gladman would prefer to see policy which seeks self-build plots being considered on an ad hoc basis as windfall rather than as a percentage requirement of larger development schemes. We consider this approach to be more in line with the wants and needs for the individuals seeking the plot and the developer’s requirements for larger sites.
6.3.6 Should a percentage approach be taken forward, the requirement should be supported by and proportionate to clear and robust evidence of this source of housing need. Gladman recommends that any policy requirement in relation to self-build housing has an element of flexibility built in to allow for negotiation over self-build plots on the basis of viability to ensure that site delivery is not delayed or prevented from coming forward. Any specific requirement to include self-build plots should be tested through the Council’s viability assessment of the Local Plan policies to ensure that the cumulative impacts of all proposed local standards and policy requirements do not put the implementation of the Plan as a whole at risk.
6.3.7 Gladman notes that the proposed policy does include a mechanism which allows developers the opportunity after 12 months to either continue to market the plots for self-build or to revert back to them being delivered as part of the wider market housing scheme. Gladman supports the inclusion of this policy mechanism as it is necessary to ensure that housing land is not unnecessarily prevented from being brought forward. This helps to provide flexibility and helps to ensure that the required housing is delivered. If there is genuine demand for self-build housing it is likely that these plots would be brought forward relatively quickly.