The proposed flexibility for consideration to be given to site specific circumstances when determining an appropriate unit size mix is strongly supported. This policy should however include specific reference to ‘the nature and location of the site and the type of housing proposed’.
It is not always possible and/or appropriate to provide a specific defined mix of unit sizes. For example, some locations are better suited to smaller households than large families (e.g Town Centres). Moreover, smaller brownfield sites in urban locations tend to have a range of constraints beyond planning requirements which make it difficult to offer a range of sizes. For example, Pocket’s scheme at Newmarket Road in Cambridge City Centre could not come forward for re-development if it were required to provide a range of unit sizes due to its highly constrained nature. The addition of this policy reference is therefore critical for ensuring the right homes are built in the right locations and the efficient use of brownfield land for housing delivery. The exact type of housing product proposed may also be more or less suited to particular unit sizes (e.g rents vs sale). Finally, the delivery of smaller unit sizes can indirectly free up highly suitable family homes (with front doors and gardens) presently used as HMO’s or informal house shares. The delivery of housing for single persons therefore provides an important opportunity to create family homes.