Affordable Housing in the South Downs National Park

Affordable Housing in The South Downs

The South Downs National Park has some of the highest house prices in the country, yet one-third of households receive an annual income lower than £30,000.  Access to affordable homes is limited, resulting in residents travelling further for suitable housing and employment.

The Authority recognises that the lack of affordable housing in the National Park is acute and has committed to support delivery of affordable homes through planning policies and collaboration with those who develop, provide, and support the provision of affordable homes.  In addition, grants to those building affordable homes on rural exception sites or through non-profit making organisations such as Community Land Trusts are available.

Together with affordable housing providers and enabling associations, we have developed a strategy to increase delivery of affordable homes and meet our ambitious Partnership Management Plan target of 300 affordable dwellings being completed in the SDNP by 2031 (60 per year.)

The strategy includes support for communities to identify new sites for affordable homes, and a service to help match development sites with affordable housing providers.

Support For Rural Exception Sites

• Site Assessment Tool –  Site Assessment Matrix
• Community Engagement Guidance – Local Housing – Community Engagement
• Parish Profile –  Parish Profile

Matchmaking Service for S106 Sites

To enable early engagement between developers and Registered Providers during the planning process we have developed a service to help match Registered Providers with development sites.  If you are a Registered Provider operating in the area and are interested in joining our register, please visit this link.

If you would like any further information regarding the affordable housing strategy or have further queries regarding the provision of affordable housing, contact us at affordablehousing@southdowns.gov.uk