Wealden: District Council Pledges "Smaller Properties, Shared Ownership"

Increased availability of homes that are appropriate for the district's needs is among new commitments councillors in Wealden said they're making, as they revealed the authority's new "housing strategy".

In information newly released by the council, the authority claimed its policy is based on research that showed a need for for smaller properties, shared ownership, shared accommodation options and specialist housing.

The framework comes as figures showed Wealden is the most expensive area in East Sussex.

According to the district council, its average property price is £377,858 compared to the East Sussex average of £317,192.

Based on local earnings, a Wealden resident needs to borrow 11.5 times their income to buy a property in Wealden.

The leading councillor responsible for the district's housing, Ray Cade, said:

"Our research shows the negative impact, both economically and socially, of a lack of housing and the result of living in sub-standard properties.

"This authority has a leading role in the provision of quality, healthy and safe housing in our community."

In general, what's known as the "Wealden Housing Strategy 2020-25" accepts the need for more homes to be built in the District.

It's been made in the shadow of a requirement in Britain's National Planning Policy Framework, that sets out an expected annual average of 1,231 new homes every year.

Officials said they would increase the number of affordable houses, by trying to stick to a planning policy dictating new developments of over 10 houses must include 35% affordable homes.

However, there was a get-out to this policy: developers are allowed to argue for a reduction in this proportion — on the grounds that it would make the whole project uneconomical. 

The councillor in charge of planning and development, Anne Newton, indicated the authority would, nevertheless, do what it could to persuade developers to retain the require proportion of affordable accommodation.

Additionally, the council pledged to ask developers who couldn't provide the required number of affordable homes to provide smaller properties elsewhere, which would suit first-time buyers.

The council's own initiative has begun to produce homes for first-time buyers: in 2017, Wealden set up a wholly-owned development company, Sussex Weald Homes to meet the demand of first-time buyers or those looking to downsize.

It completed its first development this year in Crowborough which includes properties for shared ownership and affordable properties for rent.

The Housing Strategy covers more than just building new homes, the council said.

It also tackles housing quality with the Council continuing to improve its own stock, and works with private landlords to ensure they are aware of the regulations that affect them.

According to the authority, Wealden's new Housing Strategy also highlights the importance of the Council's role in supporting individuals and communities.

It agreed to support access to private rented accommodation, services for rough sleepers, and using  a Tenancy Sustainment Officer to help tenants and landlords in the private rented sector resolve any issues that may lead to homelessness.

Additionally, the Council supports residents to access services and advice as well as delivering projects such as Street Learning and providing funding to local organisations.