Planning Obligations and Affordable Housing SPD

Comment

Representation ID: 7247

Received: 20/03/2026

Respondent: Bloor Homes

Agent: Savills

Overall Bloor is broadly supportive of the draft SPD document. It continues follows a similar approach to the adopted 2016 version of the document with changes made to reflect the updated local plan and evidence base including the housing mix reflecting the findings of the Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment (HEDNA) 2022. Whilst there are some changes to the tenure split, housing mix, quantum of affordable housing, financial contributions, site specific mitigation sought, these policies are in line with the local plan and other relevant guidance.

The obligations and affordable housing sought includes flexibility and a recognition that in some circumstances market conditions and economic factors can create challenges for viability. The ability to consider sites on a case-by-case basis and local need for affordable housing and other planning obligations is also included in many policies. Bloor strongly supports the inclusion and retention of this flexibility within the policies and support the Council’s approach. This is vitally important to ensure that schemes deliver strong outcomes for the local area and allows developers to continue to deliver much needed housing in circumstances where applications are supported by robust evidence.

Bloor also support proactive and positive engagement with the local authorities and taking a positive approach to unlocking development where Sites face viability challenges. As such inclusion for the ability of developers to engage with the Council to work together and take decisions based on evidence is supported.

Summary and Conclusions

Overall, Bloor is broadly supportive of the Draft SPD and believes the current flexibility within various policies and affordable housing requirements including mixes and tenure to help ensure housing sites can come forwards and deliver benefits for local people.

Support noted