Consulting on affordable housing

The council is consulting on a document which sets out the level of affordable housing which should be included in new developments.

Residents and developers can have their say on the draft Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) until 5pm on 17 March 2008.  This document will form part of Hertsmere's Local Development Framework.

The draft Affordable Housing SPD sets out the council's proposed affordable housing requirements on new developments across the borough and seeks to ensure that affordable housing is provided of a type and mix which meets identified housing need.  It is hoped that an increase in the number of affordable units will help promote social cohesion. 

The most common types of affordable housing, which will usually be sought on developments in Hertsmere, are:

• social housing for rent, usually provided by registered social landlords (the level of rent is set under national guidance) and,
• low cost home ownership, usually either shared ownership or shared equity.

Affordable housing should meet the needs of eligible households and be available at a cost low enough for them to afford which is determined by local incomes and house prices. 

The document also sets out guidelines for developments to be well designed and integrated into the surrounding environment. 

Read the document and download a response form

Alternatively you can request a hard copy by calling 020 8207 7584 and send comments by email to local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk or in writing to:

Affordable Housing
Planning
Hertsmere Borough Council
Civic Offices
Elstree Way
Borehamwood
Herts
WD6 1WA