Please read these options together with the policy for co-living schemes
9.89 Co-living is considered to fall under a sui generis planning use class.
9.90 Adopted policy CP9 in the B&NES Core Strategy requires developments of 10 or more dwellings to provide on-site provision of affordable dwellings, unless evidence is submitted to show that such provision would be unviable.
9.91 It is established in planning legislation that a dwelling refers to a unit of residential accommodation which provides the facilities needed for day-to-day private domestic existence.
9.92 Co-living schemes generally provide studio accommodation which comprise the facilities required for single person occupancy, comprising a bed, seating, bathroom facilities, and a small kitchen or kitchenette. It is therefore appropriate that co-living accommodation contributes to affordable housing provision within the District.
9.93 However, because it does not meet minimum housing space standards co-living accommodation is not considered to provide a suitable form of affordable housing in itself.
9.94 As such, a financial contribution is required in lieu of on-site provision.
Option A
Requirement for all co-living schemes to provide a financial contribution in lieu of on-site affordable housing provision.
Advantages
Provision of affordable housing on co-living development sites.
Disadvantages
Viability implications (to be tested).