The Government’s response to a consultation exercise undertaken earlier this year is to remove affordable housing requirements for small sites.

The Government’s statement says:-

“Due to the disproportionate burden of developer contributions on small scale developers, for sites of 10-units or less, and which have a maximum combined gross floor space of 1000 square metres, affordable housing and tariff style contributions should not be sought…”

A lower threshold of 5 units or less will apply in specific rural parishes, the National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Amendments have been made to the Planning Practice Guidance and planning authorities should be altering requirements with immediate effect.