Guidance on parking and affordable housing

Guidelines on the number of off-street parking spaces and the amount of affordable housing at new developments have been adopted by Hertsmere Borough Council.

After a period of public consultation, the guidelines, which are known as supplementary planning documents, will take effect from 6 October.
 
The guidance on parking standards gives specific guidelines for the number of car parking spaces, disabled parking provision and cycle parking provision for residential, commercial and leisure developments.  It also gives developers advice on the design and layout of car parks, green travel plans; which can help promote the use of public transport, section 106 agreements; which are imposed to offset the impact a development will have on the local environment, and accessibility zones; which are areas best served by public transport and local services and where a reduction in levels of parking will be considered.
 
Under the guidelines, developers will need to provide an average of at least 1.5 spaces for every unit of residential accommodation. 
 
The guidance for affordable housing on new developments is in line with national policy, a local housing needs study and Hertsmere's Community Strategy.  It gives clear advice to developers and officers to ensure that affordable housing is provided of a type and mix which meets identified housing need. 
 
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 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.

Under the guidelines, 25% of new developments over one hectare in size will need to be affordable housing.  
 
The guidance also provides help with the design and layout of affordable housing and information on section 106 agreements.

• Both documents form part of Hertsmere's Local Development Framework