St Edmundsbury Core Strategy (December 2010)

this policy area is the most significant. Alongside this factor, the studyacknowledges that the development values produced by such schemes will usuallybe smaller and can be more marginal in relation to existing/alternative use values.4.77 The study recognises that, subject to further viability review and the relevantdevelopment brief / master planning processes in due course, there is scope forconsideration of a higher target than the general 30% in respect of particularstrategic development areas. In the absence of this further work it would beinappropriate to set higher targets for these locations at this stage. However,consideration can be given to alternative targets for individual sites in theforthcoming Area Action Plans subject to detailed viability assessment.4.78 Any affordable housing provided under the terms of Policy CS5 should beavailable in perpetuity for those in local need. The Borough Council will only workwith Registered Providers – independent housing organisations registered with theHomes and Communities Agency – in the provision of such housing and inparticular would aim to work through Housing Associations as the main providersof rented affordable housing.4.79 Policy CS5 will be subject to monitoring and review and, through the AnnualMonitoring Report, will set out any necessary actions/contingencies to ensure thatthe affordable housing targets are delivered as appropriate.Policy CS5 Affordable HousingDevelopers will be expected to integrate land for affordable homeswithin sites where housing is proposed, to ensure that affordablehousing is provided and comes forward in parallel with market homes,with targets as follows:1. Where sites are between 0.17 hectares and 0.3 hectares or between 5and 9 dwellings, 20% shall be affordable.2. Where sites are 0.3 hectares and above or 10 dwellings or more areproposed, 30% shall be affordableOn those broad locations for development, identified in policies CS11and CS12, individual targets for affordable housing may be set. Thesewould be subject to master planning and a viability review, the detailsof which would be set out in the Area Action Plans for Bury St Edmundsand Haverhill.These criteria shall also apply where a site is part of a wider butcontiguous site.Conditions or legal obligations will be used to ensure that affordablehousing is secured and retained for those in housing need.The mix, size, type and tenure of affordable homes should meet the localidentified housing need and be appropriately weighted to ensure thatthe provision makes at least a proportionate contribution to thecategories of greatest need. Where it is demonstrated/proven that suchan approach is necessary, the Local Planning Authority will considerissues of development viability and mix, including additional costsassociated with the development of brownfield sites and the provision ofsignificant community benefits, and may be willing to negotiate a lowerpercentage or tenure mix of affordable housing.50