Evolving policies to deliver more affordable homes in South Downs National Park

Work is underway to adapt the National Park’s policies around Rural Exception Sites to help deliver much-needed affordable housing.

The sites are small and would not normally be granted planning permission but may come forward for affordable housing to meet the needs of local people.

Officers are now working to revise the Local Plan to evolve our RES policy and facilitate appropriate sites to come forward and support community-led development.

Amy Tyler-Jones, Planning Policy Lead, explained: “We recognise the vital role of rural exception sites in increasing affordable housing for local people in the countryside.  A small site can make a big difference to a village, sustaining rural communities by enabling key workers and families to remain locally.”

A key strand of the National Park’s Partnership Management Plan – which lays out priorities for the next five years – is around collaborating with Parish Councils, Rural Housing Enablers and Registered Providers to deliver affordable, accessible, and low-carbon housing to support local communities.

Amy added: “The Land Availability Assessment has recently been updated  – this is a useful resource for Parishes interested in explore what site opportunities there are locally. We are also developing guidance for Parish Councils on initial site assessment.  There is also valuable support available from Sussex Community Housing Hub and Action Hampshire.

“We are drafting a match-making service to bring together affordable housing managers (known as Registered Providers) with development opportunities.

“Additionally, we provide grants to those building affordable homes on rural exception sites or through non-profit making organisations such as Community Land Trusts.”

For further information please contact affordablehousing@southdowns.gov.uk