Specialist Accommodation 4.45
Local Plan policy H1 part 10 states that the provision of well-designed specialist forms of accommodation, including sheltered housing, care homes and other appropriate forms of accommodation for the elderly and those with particular needs, will be permitted provided that the development: a) Meets demonstrable established local community need; and b) Is in a sustainable location, with access to appropriate services and facilities where these are not provided on site. This includes public transport, shops, local services and community facilities.
4.46
Where specialist accommodation falls within a relevant use class as set out in policy H2(g) (C2, C3 or C4), an appropriate proportion of affordable housing in accordance with Policy H2 will be required (30%, or 50% on greenfield sites).
4.47
When assessing this, given the extent of need for Social / Affordable Rent housing in Spelthorne, which is estimated to account for c.60% of annual housing needs, the Council will seek the provision of affordable housing within specialist accommodation as Social Rent / Affordable Rent wherever possible, taking into account the circumstances of the relevant proposal.
4.48
Other forms of specialist accommodation that provide affordable housing for households with specific needs such as hostels for rough sleepers or victims of domestic abuse, or accommodation for care leavers, will not be required to provide additional C3 affordable housing. Applicants seeking to provide these forms of accommodation should engage with the Council early, at pre-application stage if possible, so the approach for these applications can be fully considered.
Spelthorne Borough Council: A ordable Housing SPD
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