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.
