Chris Wheaton and Robert White, Quod presented members with an
overview of the updated draft Otterpool
Park Housing Strategy, as summarised below. An initial housing
strategy was submitted in February 2019 as part of the outline
planning application. A number of key areas for refinement were
highlighted by the local planning authority and these are reflected
in the updated document.
- Approach –
research and surveys are the best way to identify needs and a way
forward.
- Local Needs –
meeting the needs of local residents directly affected by the
development. A housing needs survey was carried out through the 6
parishes nearest to the site. This involved face to face interviews
with 513 local residents. Results of which clearly defined a need
predominantly for housing and not flats, private sale or rent
element and with an element of affordable housing.
- On-site demand
– meeting the needs of key workers such as doctors, teachers
and shop workers to be able to live and work on the site. Based on
the Economic Strategy there is a need for a mixture of unit sizes
to accommodate all with varying incomes and again should be
affordable.
- Supporting and
growing the Local Economy – meeting the needs of local
businesses, together with attracting new businesses to the site. A
survey of 600 local businesses is being carried out. Internet
connectivity is critical for not only businesses but those home
working too.
- Wider affordable need
– meeting local needs on the site and wider area of the
district. Based on analysis including 2017 Strategic Housing Market
Association (SHMA) which is a core document underpinning the core
strategy, household incomes data, census data, housing waiting
lists and home choice survey. Clearly there is a need to focus on
intermediate homes to ensure a mixed and balanced
community.
- Market demand –
meeting the need for market homes based on a review of data and
comparable schemes. A diverse mix of homes will ensure residents
can stay for life if they so wish, providing a stable environment,
diverse housing and affordability.
- Cumulative mix
– looking at the supply of housing, ensuring it is delivered,
sustainable and affordable within the site but reviewing
continuously as progress is made.
- Delivery –
section 106 agreement requirements are met with overall proportion
of affordable homes in each phase, mix of units, allocation process
and ongoing monitoring as detailed phases are fixed with a local
survey at each phase.
Members paid particular
attention to the following:
·
Source of the data presented.
·
Engaging with more people across the District and
outside of the development site.
·
Communicating the project to residents
regularly.
·
Further statistics on housing
allocations.
·
Transparency.
·
Jobs and how they are reflected in the development
– clarity of numbers is requested.
Further information on employment will be provided to members
following the meeting.
It was agreed that future
reports presented to the working group would contain as much detail
and context as possible for members to discuss.
It was also agreed that when
practicable press releases will be made to update residents on
progress.
Tim Mitford-Slade, Strutt and Parker will provide a written update to
members following the meeting.