Policy H10 — Housing size mix

Policy H10 Housing size mix A Schemes should generally consist of a range of unit sizes. To determine the appropriate mix of unit sizes in relation to the number of bedrooms for a scheme, applicants and decision-makers should have regard to: 1) robust local evidence of need where available or, where this is not available, the range of housing need and demand identified by the 2017 London Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2) the requirement to deliver mixed and inclusive neighbourhoods 3) the need to deliver a range of unit types at different price points across London 4) the mix of uses in the scheme 5) the range of tenures in the scheme 6) the nature and location of the site, with a higher proportion of one and two bed units generally more appropriate in locations which are closer to a town centre or station or with higher public transport access and connectivity 7) the aim to optimise housing potential on sites 8) the ability of new development to reduce pressure on conversion, sub-division and amalgamation of existing stock 9) the need for additional family housing and the role of one and two bed units in freeing up existing family housing. B For low-cost rent, boroughs should provide guidance on the size of units required (by number of bedrooms) to ensure affordable housing meets identified needs. This guidance should take account of: 1) evidence of local housing needs, including the local housing register and the numbers and types of overcrowded and under-occupying households 2) other criteria set out in Part A, including the strategic and local requirement for affordable family accommodation 3) the impact of welfare reform 4) the cost of delivering larger units and the availability of grant. 4.10.1 The 2017 London Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) estimated the unit size mix of new homes required to meet London’s current and projected housing needs using three different scenarios, the results of which are set out in the SHMA report addendum. The main factors influencing this size mix include the projected growth in different household types, assumptions about under-occupation, and the substantial number of overcrowded households in London, whose needs can be addressed by providing family-sized homes but also smaller homes for concealed households to move into. Boroughs can draw on the scenarios in the SHMA to understand housing mix requirements or to inform local assessments. While the SHMA identifies the full range of needs between 2016 and 2041, boroughs may wish to prioritise meeting the most urgent needs earlier in the Plan period, which may mean prioritising low-cost rented units of particular sizes. 4.10.2 Policy H10 Housing size mix sets out all the issues that applicants and boroughs should take into account when considering the mix of homes on a site. Boroughs are encouraged to set out the preferred housing size mix (for all tenures) as part of a site allocation, ensuring that the housing size mix is determined in accordance with Parts A and B. It should be noted that in terms of delivering mixed and inclusive communities, a neighbourhood may currently have an over-concentration of a particular size of unit and a new development could help redress the balance. 4.10.3 Well-designed one- and two- bedroom units in suitable locations can attract those wanting to downsize from their existing homes, and this ability to free up existing family stock should be considered when assessing the unit mix of a new build development. 4.10.4 One-bedroom units play a very important role in meeting housing need, and provision in new developments can help reduce the pressure to convert and subdivide existing larger homes. However, one-person and one-bed units are the least flexible unit type so schemes should generally consist of a range of unit sizes. 4.10.5 As part of their housing strategy functions, local authorities are required to have an understanding of housing needs in their area (for example, as set out in a Strategic Housing Market Assessment) and this, along with their local Housing Register, will provide the evidence for the size of low-cost rented homes (in terms of number of bedrooms) required to meet identified need. Combined with the considerations set out in Part A, this information should inform local policy or guidance about the size (in terms of number of bedrooms) of low-cost rented units expected on a development. This clarity about the unit size mix for affordable homes, taken together with the threshold approach to affordable housing, will help ensure that applicants and landowners understand the cost implications of overall affordable housing requirements when formulating development proposals and purchasing land. Boroughs should take account of the availability of grant funding when producing guidance or policy on this issue. 4.10.6 The impact of this policy on the mix of homes in terms of numbers of bedrooms approved across London will be carefully monitored and assessed as part of the Annual Monitoring Report process. This will highlight any adverse impacts and identify if any revisions are necessary to the policy.London Plan Policy H10 · official source →