Issue - meetings

Officers are seeking Executive approval for the draft Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document Update to be published for public consultation between September and October 2022.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Executive approves the draft Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document Update to be published for public consultation between midday 19.09.22 - midday 31.10.22.

RESOLVED

1.     That authority be delegated to the Head of Housing Delivery and Communities after consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders to correct any typographical errors and make changes to the paragraphs relating to planning raised in the debate; and

2.     that the draft Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document Update be published for public consultation between midday 17.10.22 - midday 28.11.22.

[Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee]

Councillor Liz Townsend presented the report which set out the draft Affordable Homes Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for public consultation, and noted a slight change to the dates for the public consultation.  Once adopted the SPD would become a material planning consideration and represented a commitment by the Council to lowering social rents by introducing a Waverley rent cap.  The SPD also responded to the Government’s First Homes Scheme.  The Leader echoed the frustration felt by many in local government at the Government’s definition of “affordable”; and the restrictions which the First Homes Scheme would place on the Council to deliver affordable homes.

Councillor Hyman spoke on the report asking for the section on enforcement be strengthened and for clarification on the sections relating to s106 agreements and the Planning Committees.  He highlighted some typographical errors and suggested that the Executive delegated authority to officers to make the necessary changes prior to consultation.

The Leader agreed that the sections on enforcement and planning be strengthened and proposed an additional recommendation as suggested.  Councillor Townsend advised that there would be a public consultation, at which point there would be an opportunity for all to submit comments to be considered in the round.  Councillor Williams also spoke in support of the report.

RESOLVED

1.     That authority be delegated to the Head of Housing Delivery and Communities after consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders to correct any typographical errors and make changes to the paragraphs relating to planning raised in the debate; and

2.     that the draft Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document Update be published for public consultation between midday 17.10.22 - midday 28.11.22.