Decision details

Purpose of report: To seek Executive Member approval of the recommendations of the 5 July meeting of the Local Development Framework Working Group (LDFWG). This includes:· Approving the study as an LDF Evidence base. Endorsing the Dynamic Model and the Study conclusions for the formulation of the Core Strategy Policy. Adoption of the new affordable housing targets and thresholds, with immediate effect for Development Control purposes

Members are asked to: To approve the recommendations of the 5 July LDFWG, as follows:· The Study be approved for publication as part of the LDF evidence base· The principles of the Dynamic Model and the conclusions of the Study be used to formulate the Core Strategy Policy. The Executive adopt the targets and thresholds in the Study for Development Control purposes and the Dynamic Model until the Core Strategy is adopted. To delegate to the Director of City Strategy, in consultation with the Executive Member and Opposition Spokesperson, the making of any incidental changes arising from the recommendation of the LDF Working Group, prior to its publication as part of the Local Development Framework evidence base.

RESOLVED: (i)         That approval be given in principle to adopt a ‘dynamic model’ approach for assessing affordable housing numbers and that Officers be requested to carry out further research into the assumptions made in the model to ensure that these reflect local circumstances and meet the requirements of the Study.

                        (ii)        That Officers be requested, when reporting back in November, to identify any additional changes to planning policies which might be made in the period leading up to the adoption and implementation of the new Local Development Framework (LDF), and which could provide a short term stimulus aimed at getting a start made on new housing developments in the City.

REASON:      To ensure that the Affordable Housing Study is a robust evidence base that can be used as part of the LDF evidence base.