Guidance note
The First Homes Interim Position Statement sets out our approach in respect of First Homes whilst affordable housing policy (including in relation to First Homes) is reviewed comprehensively through the Local Plan 2022 to 2042. Planning applications that make provision for First Homes will also be determined against national policy, including the Written Ministerial Statement of May 2021.
Read more about the rationale behind this Statement
This Position Statement is our response to UK government guidance on the provision of First Homes in new residential developments, a policy which aims to make more affordable property available for first-time buyers, by securing an affordable housing contribution from developers.
Properties which meet the criteria for First Homes are still relatively unaffordable in our area, and so they may not always be the best solution to enable first-time buyers to secure a property. Therefore, we will encourage developers to meet the low-cost home ownership element of affordable housing contribution via shared ownership tenure, and are not making it mandatory to provide First Homes on qualifying schemes/sites. There may be circumstances where First Homes are suitable, such as First Homes Exception Sites, and we make provision for this within the Statement.
We are approving the First Homes Interim Position Statement in advance of adoption of our new Local Plan 2022-2042, to act as guidance. Taking this approach enables us to assess the effectiveness of our position on First Homes, prior to preparation of the Local Plan.