Decision details

The purpose of this decision is to approve the following policies, set out in Appendix A, as annexes to the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy:

·         Build to Rent

·         Clustering and Distribution of Affordable Housing

·         Affordable Rents

The policies have been considered previously by Cabinet on 3^rd February 2021 where approval was given for the draft policies to go out to wider public consultation; and then delegated authority given to the Lead Member for Housing to approve the final policies subject to any minor amendments.

Following the public consultation, amendments to the policies have been highlighted in yellow to identify where changes have been made.

To approve the following policies as annexes to the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy:

·         Build to Rent

·         Clustering and Distribution of Affordable Housing

·         Affordable Rents

[attached at Appendix A]

The inclusion of the Build to Rent and Clustering policies as part of the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy will ensure that the Council can provide policy direction in terms of applications coming forward for Build to Rent schemes and the clustering and distribution of affordable housing.  Whilst these policies will not carry the same weight as policies within the Local Plan, they will be a material consideration in determining planning applications and will help to inform the joint Local Plan currently in development.

The policy regarding the setting of Affordable Rents will set out the expectations of the Councils in terms of its priorities for homes to be truly affordable.  Whilst the Council cannot make this a requirement, the policy draws on the existing partnership approach with Registered Housing Providers to provide clear guidance which they should have regard to when determining their Affordable Rents.

Option 1: To reject the policies relating to Build to Rent, Clustering and Distribution of Affordable Housing and Affordable Rents.

Reason for Rejection:  This will leave the Council with little policy direction on these topics, which have gone through full consultation with key stakeholders to ensure the policies are robust and that all views have been considered in their drafting.