Planning Advisory Service (PAS)

Entry Level Exception Sites

2022-01-31T15:17:58Z

I am seeking some advice on how local planning authorities are considering any planning applications for entry level exceptions sites that have been submitted since the Written Ministerial Statement and Planning Practice Guidance changes on First Homes last year. The Written Ministerial Statement (24/05/2021) indicated that the Government is replacing the 'entry-level exception site' policy with a 'First Homes exception sites' policy. The PPG provides guidance on First Home Exception Sites, however the NPPF (July 2021) did not remove the reference to 'entry-level exception sites' (paragraph 72). I have seen commentary around the Government being aware of the discrepancy but am not aware of any broad timescale for it being resolved. Have any authorities had any 'entry-level exception sites' come forward in recent months? If so, advice on how you have been considering them would be welcome.

Setting Housing Requirements for Designated Neighbourhood Areas

2021-06-16T11:32:28Z

Paragraph 65 of the NPPF sets out that strategic plan-making authorities should establish a housing requirement figure for their whole area. It goes on to indicate that strategic policies should set out a housing requirement for designated neighbourhood areas which reflects the overall strategy for the pattern and scale of development and any relevant allocations.

We would be grateful if any local planning authorities could share information on the method / approach / options they have taken to doing this through their recent or emerging draft local plans, including whether you have considered different scenarios for distributing numbers to designated neighbourhood areas. Also, how are you dealing with the circumstance if some but not all of your area is currently designated (but perhaps more areas will be designated in the future)?

Starter Homes - WMS and NPPF

2019-08-20T13:02:07Z

I would welcome some clarification on the national policy approach to starter homes, particularly in the context of the national exception site planning policy for starter homes introduced by the Written Ministerial Statement (WMS) dated 2 March 2015 and the associated Planning Practice Guidance (PPG).

I am assuming the starter home exception site approach remains available to applicants as a material consideration as the PPG wording on this remains available. However, the consultation proposals for the NPPF review in March 2018 referred to the above WMS as one that the draft NPPF reflected, perhaps suggesting that it would no longer apply separately (I have seen Inspectors decisions indicating this for other WMSs in the list). This has introduced some doubt on the matter and any clarification anyone is able to offer would be appreciated. We are aware of the addition of starter homes to the definition of affordable housing.

In addition, as I understand, there remains a need for the provisions in the Housing and Planning Act 2016 regarding starter homes to be implemented and secondary legislation is awaited. Is anyone aware of anticipated timescales for any such legislation being brought forward? Also, have local authorities been accepting that starter homes can be brought forward as a type of affordable housing prior to the legal framework being implemented / detail added via secondary legislation.

Thank you.