Object

Representation ID: 10442

Received: 29/07/2022

Respondent: Gallagher Developments Group Limited

Agent: Barton Willmore

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

We note the requirement for a 50% discount to be applied to First Homes which is above the
minimum 30% discount set out in national planning guidance. Whilst national policy does allow for the discount to be increased above 30%, we do not believe that the Borough Wide Viability study demonstrates a clear position that this approach to First Homes is viable. In fact, regarding affordable housing as a whole there are potential concerns regarding several sites and the ability to deliver the 30% of the whole mix.
In the absence of compelling evidence to justify a 50% discount, and instead putting the onus on developers through Policy DM2(S) regarding viability, the approach taken is unsound. We instead suggest that the First Homes discount is reduced to 30% of open market value which is consistent with national planning guidance.