Issue - meetings

Housing and Environmental Health

To consider the adoption of the First Homes Interim Policy Position.

Resolved:

1.  That the First Homes interim policy position recommended in the report is adopted.

2.  That the Head of Housing & Environmental Health in consultation with the Head of Planning Policy & Economic Development, Housing & Environmental Health Portfolio Holder and the Planning Portfolio Holder be given delegated authority to:

a.  Prepare and publish a First Homes policy encapsulating the requirements of First Homes Planning Practice Guidance and the recommendations set out at paragraph 5 of this report, and

b.  To amend that policy in response to legislation or governmental guidance on First Homes delivery.

Consideration was given to a report of the Housing and Environmental Health Portfolio Holder which summarised the details surrounding the introduction of First Homes as a mandatory new affordable housing tenure, including the implications that the inclusion of First Homes on all qualifying developments may have on the delivery of other affordable housing tenures.

The report set out Test Valley Borough Council’s proposed interim policy position around the various aspects of First Homes, and recommended the publication of a First Homes Interim Policy Note which expanded upon those proposals.

The interim policy may need to be reviewed and updated to reflect any new guidance or challenges that occur during the inception of the First Homes tenure, and in response to any further government guidance or amendments released following the First Homes Pilot Project. The Local Plan review process can consider the appropriateness for policies on First Home Exception Sites and whether any further evidence is required.

Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, Cabinet agreed to the following:

Resolved:

1.  That the First Homes interim policy position recommended in the report is adopted.

2.  That the Head of Housing & Environmental Health in consultation with the Head of Planning Policy & Economic Development, Housing & Environmental Health Portfolio Holder and the Planning Portfolio Holder be given delegated authority to:

a.  Prepare and publish a First Homes policy encapsulating the requirements of First Homes Planning Practice Guidance and the recommendations set out at paragraph 5 of this report, and

b.  To amend that policy in response to legislation or governmental guidance on First Homes delivery.