Please read these options together with the policy for Build to rent developments
About this page
How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works
These Development Management policy option pages contain the following sections:
Policy background
- Relevant national policy or regulations
- National or regional trends
- Local situation and needs
- How we have dealt with this issue in the past
- The thinking behind the policy
Policy options for the new Local Plan
We may suggest a variety of approaches:
- Keeping existing policy as it is
- Making small changes
- Replacing the policy with something that is substantially different
- Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future
Policy option analysis
- A list of the advantages and disadvantages that we have identified for each of the policy options we are presenting.
Read the Housing Topic Paper for in-depth focus about this topic, and the evidence which informs our policy.
Explore the policy
Select a section below to read more.
9.79 Planning Practice Guidance advises that 20% is generally a suitable benchmark for the level of affordable private rent homes to be in any build to rent scheme. However, if local authorities wish to set a different proportion, they should justify this using the evidence emerging from their local housing need assessment, and set the policy out in their Local Plan.
9.80 Data in the Local Housing Needs Assessment evidences a significant need for affordable housing in Bath and North East Somerset. In Bath, the level of affordable housing required is around 77% of total housing provision, and outside of Bath, the level is around 31%.
9.81 As such, the following options test the delivery of a higher percentage of affordable housing from Build to Rent schemes, consistent with standard affordable housing percentages required across other housing types. The options will be subject to viability testing.
Option A
Provide at least 20% affordable private rent homes (this proportion to be maintained in perpetuity).
Advantages of Option A
- In line with NPPF recommendation
Disadvantages of Option A
- This level of provision is lower than that which our Local Housing Needs Assessment says is necessary.
Option B
Provide (and maintain in perpetuity) percentage of affordable private rent homes in line with standard affordable housing percentages required across other housing types.
Advantages of Option B
- Levels in line with affordable housing percentages required across other housing types
Disadvantages of Option B
- Viability implications (to be tested)