Affordable Housing Success

Laurence Associates has recently been successful in gaining outline consent for an affordable housing scheme of up to 46 dwellings in east Cornwall. The planning approach to the type of application was integral to the success of the application.

To frame our view on the application type, we applied our detailed knowledge of current policy and decision-making framework to assess the sites’ relationship with the adjacent settlement. With this understanding, we took the approach to apply for a rural exception site.

The purpose of a rural exception site is to ensure that the application is affordable-led, with at least 50% of houses and land take being allocated to affordable housing provisions.  To support the application and ensure that the extent of affordable units was dictated by viability, we ensured that a viability assessment and land value assessment was undertaken. This framed the heads of terms for the associated S106 agreement and ensured compliance with Policy 9 of the CLP.

Alongside the viability approach, as the scheme was a major application, various technical reports were required and we were required to manage this and collate the documents to support the application being made. As the site lie within the World Heritage Site, heritage input was key, and informed the scheme from the outset. There were also some highways complexities, requiring an innovative cycling and pedestrian link – secured via a Grampian condition.

The application shows our ability to work on larger housing schemes and to provide invaluable advice on the appropriate planning approach as well as working with a range of our trusted technical consultants to ensure an appropriate scheme. Due to the measured and considered approach taken, the application was viewed positively by the Council, including by the affordable housing team, as well as the wider community. With the approach taken, which gained positive feedback, the scheme avoided the need to be presented at planning Committee and following a successful S106 agreement, the application was granted.

If you are seeking professional advice on your land or need assistance with a potential housing scheme, Laurence Associates, with highly skilled planning team, are happy to provide professional advice to assist.

Click here to contact us today for a free consultation.

Tel: 01872 225 259

Contact: hello@laurenceassociates.co.uk