Alders Meadow, Chinley

Rural ‘Exception’ Allocation Policy

Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that homes developed for local people are allocated as intended under policy H10 of the High Peak Saved Local Plan Policies Policy H10 - Rural ‘Exceptions’ Affordable Housing for Local needs states;

“Where there are no suitable opportunities within the built-Up Area Boundary for affordable housing to meet local needs, planning permission will be granted exceptionally for small residential development schemes adjoining the Built-Up Area Boundary of villages, provided that:

  • the development will meet the a demonstrable local need for affordable housing; and
  • the site lies outside the Green Belt and Special Landscape Area.”

In order to fulfil the requirements of policy H10 and demonstrate local need, parish housing need surveys are carried out. The aim of this document is to ensure that people with a local housing need identified in the parish housing needs survey are given the opportunity to remain in the community thus helping ensure a sustainable community.

Rural Exception Housing Allocation Criteria

  • People residing for at least 5 years in the village or nearby village and currently living in accommodation which is overcrowded or otherwise
  • unsatisfactory;
  • People residing for at least 5 years in the village or nearby village and forming a household for the first time;
  • People not now resident in the village but who have a strong local connection with it including a long-standing period of residence;
  • People who have an essential need arising from age or infirmity to live close to other people who have a strong local-standing residence in the
  • village;
  • People who have an essential need to live close to their work in the village or nearby village.

Geographical Criteria

In the first instance and with all subsequent lettings, prospective tenants will be drawn from villages within the parish of Chinley, Buxworth and Brownside. Villages within this parish are:

  • Chinley
  • Buxworth
  • Wash
  • Chapel Milton.

It is important to allow flexibility within this policy to ensure that properties do not stand empty. In the event that that there are no suitable applicants bid for the properties within 3 months of first occupation or 2 months after the affordable housing provider gives or receives notice to quit a dwelling the scheme would then be available to prospective tenants from the following surrounding villages and towns:

  • Whitehough
  • Chapel-en-le-Frith
  • Whaley Bridge
  • Hayfield
  • Tunstead Milton.

If after a further 2 months no suitable applicants had come forward from either within the parish or surrounding villages/ towns, the scheme would then be available to prospective tenants in the whole of the borough under the current Home-Options Allocation Policy.

Under-occupation

There will also be flexibility when considering under occupation subject to Housing Benefit property size eligibility. Local connections will take priority over under- occupation criteria with one spare room only being accepted.

Applicants will still be considered based on housing need and banding but will be able to bid on properties with an additional bedroom. In the case where there are more applications received households which fulfil the local occupancy criteria with full occupation will be given priority.

Contact details for further information

For more information, please contact:

High Peak Borough Council,

Town Hall, Market Place,

Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6EL

Tel: 0345 129 7777 or 01298 28400.