This policy sets out specific percentages, based on bedroom number for different tenures of houses to create mixed and balanced communities to meet housing needs.
The percentages set out at paragraph 7 are largely based on those set out in the ‘Cambridgeshire and West Suffolk Housing Needs Study 2021’ prepared by GL Hearn.
Whilst Persimmon Homes recognise the need to create balanced communities and bring forward a mix of homes, it is considered that the wording of the policy needs to be more flexible and not stipulate set percentages. Instead, Persimmon Homes are of the view that the policy should be worded along the lines that schemes should demonstrate how the needs set out in the Cambridgeshire and West Suffolk Housing Market Needs of Specific Groups Study 2021 or similar needs assessment.
The advantage of this approach is that:-
- Housing Needs will continue to be met over the plan period;
- The policy will not be become out of date. Percentage range requirements will inevitably change over time;
- Schemes can be designed to meet the specific needs of an area which will ultimately vary both within different areas of both Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire; and
- Schemes have flexibility to be designed to reflect the character of the area.
The Cambridgeshire and West Suffolk Housing Needs Study 2021 recognises that needs will change as the document states:-
‘The strategic mix identified above shall inform policies. But in applying the mix the individual development sites regard should also be had to the nature of the site and character of the area, up-to-date evidence of need (such as the housing register) as well as the existing mix of turnover of properties at the local level and the need to create and maintain mixed and balanced communities. The Council’s should also monitor the mix of housing delivered and respond accordingly so that the strategic mix requirements are clearly met.’
Notwithstanding the above, if percentage range points for market dwellings are to be remain within the policy to allow for more flexibility, whilst still meeting needs consideration needs to be given providing more flexibility within the ranges, thus allowing developments to adjust to the housing needs at the time of submitting the application. To this end, Persimmon Homes suggested the range for 3 bed dwellings be amended to 40 -60% and 4 bed dwellings be extended to 20 – 35% for both Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire. Such a change would be in line with the objective identified within the Cambridgeshire and West Suffolk Housing Needs Survey which recognises the need for family houses for which both 3 and 4 bedroom dwellings equally perform this function. Increasing the percentage of 3 bed dwellings will also support the emphasis on downsizing which is identified in the Cambridgeshire and West Suffolk Housing Needs Survey and will increase the supply of housing that is affordable to those on median incomes which is an objective site out in the document referred to in the associated text ‘Homes for our Future’ Greater Cambs Housing Strategy 2019 – 2023.’