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Representation ID: 7901

Received: 24/09/2021

Respondent: Home Builders Federation

Whilst National Described Space Standards have become mandatory for all new dwellings developed under permitted development rights this does not mean that all new homes should be built to this standard. The NPPF and PPG still requires Council’s to provide evidence as to the need for these standards and an assessment as to the impact on viability of their application. Whilst the HBF shares the Council’s desire to see good quality homes delivered across Bedford we also consider that space standards can, in some instances, have a negative impact upon affordability issues and reduce customer choice. In terms of choice some developers will provide entry level two, three and four-bedroom properties which may not meet the optional nationally described space standards, but which would allow on lower incomes can afford a property which has their required number of bedrooms. Given the poor affordability of property in the area it is important that the Council can provide robust evidence that there is a need to introduce the optional space standards – that these standards are a must have rather than a nice to have policy.