Countryside recognise the importance of the delivery of affordable housing, particular in areas such as Greater Cambridge which experience a high level of need. As preparation of the Local Plan continues further viability assessment will be required to ensure that the overall package of requirements across the Plan read as a whole is viable and deliverable.
Concern is however raised regarding the proposed restrictive approach to cluster sizes which are seemingly proposed through the requirement to accord with the guidance provided in the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy Annexe 10: Clustering and Distribution of Affordable Housing (Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council, June 2021) or a successor document. The document referenced sets out maximum cluster numbers in relation to the total number of units proposed. For example, developments of 30 to 200 units must have maximum clusters of 15 units. Concern is raised on this point. It is considered that flexibility should be allowed for clusters to exceed the 15 unit restriction where this has been agreed with the relevant Registered Provider. The clustering of affordable housing units is generally a practical requirement for Registered Providers for management and maintenance reasons. As such, the policy should allow a degree of flexibility here.