Consultation on CE Housing Document closes tomorrow

From Rachel Bailey

Audlem Cheshire East Cllr

Affordable Housing

Cheshire East's consultation on its updated Supplementary Housing Document closes on 22 December 2021. Policies on Housing Provision are so important, not least to support a community, its families, and services such as schools. Developers are rightly required to provide a mix of residential and 'affordable housing', the latter of which there is a shortage of.

Please comment

Please look at the consultation document here and share your views on this important matter.

I would also highlight the following two points which I believe are particularly pertinent to our village:

7.48 In exceptional circumstances, where suitable sites aren't available, and where it can be justified, as a second alternative, a financial contribution will be accepted. This provision is viewed by the council as a last resort option, as opposed to an alternative method of affordable housing. The council's desire to have all affordable provision on-site is in line with government guidance to encourage the development of mixed and balanced communities. However, there may be physical or other circumstances where an on-site provision would not be practical or deliverable. Such circumstances might include where: the provision of the affordable housing elsewhere in the locality would provide a better mix of housing types; management of the affordable dwellings on site would not be feasible; it would be more appropriate to bring back existing vacant housing into use as affordable units; the constraints of the site prevent the provision of the size and type of affordable housing required in the area.

7.49 In line with paragraph 12.51 in the LPS, there may also be circumstances in Crewe, where it may be appropriate to divert funding for affordable housing into the improvement of existing stock within the urban area, rather than the provision of new affordable homes.

I agree that all monies should be used, but believe that affordable housing local to the monies garnered, should first have the opportunity of improvement.

Thank you for your time

Rachel Bailey