Nature of Provision
Objective 2
The Council will expect affordable housing to be provided on site within the proposed development. Off-site provision of affordable housing will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Any commuted sum will be of a sufficient value to enable the Council, together with an RSL partner to develop the equivalent level of affordable housing on another site.
5.10 There is a presumption in favour of the provision of dwellings within the development itself, unless outstanding reasons can be demonstrated to justify an alternative form of provision such as off-site dwellings or a commuted sum.
5.11 There may be circumstances where it is appropriate to secure a land site as the affordable housing contribution, which could be developed for a greater number of dwellings, in conjunction with other funding.
5.12 Where it is considered appropriate to accept off-site provision or payment of a commuted sum additional costs will be incurred in the provision of the affordable housing. The value of the payment will therefore be calculated at a higher value (+5%) than with on site provision in order to reflect the additional cost of providing equivalent units on another or other sites.
5.13 The calculation of the affordable housing contribution on qualifying sites will include a charge to reflect the necessary or incidental expenses incurred by the Housing and Community Support Service in connection with the preparation, negotiation, implementation and monitoring of S106 agreements.