Decision details

The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio introduced the report of the Chief Executive (previously circulated) setting out the new Government policy on First Homes and requesting that consideration be given to the First Homes Policy Position Statement (also previously circulated) for publication.

The submitted report stated that in May 2021, the Government set out national planning policy for First Homes, a new affordable housing product; First Homes were a specific kind of Discount Market Sale Housing (DMSH), discounted by 30 percent of the market value for first time buyers; and that the new policy came into effect from 28 June 2021 and required that a minimum of 25 percent of all affordable housing units secured through planning obligations should be First Homes.

It was reported that due to transitional arrangements in the guidance the Council did not reflect First Homes in the recently adopted Local Plan (2022); following an analysis of the policy it was considered that it was a reasonable approach to seek the First Homes requirement from developers via a Policy Position Statement; First Homes was the Government’s preferred discount market tenure and that this was now adopted national policy; and it offered another option for local people to get on the housing ladder.

References were made at the meeting as to how the need for affordable housing would be met, to the percentage of new homes that could be bought through the First Homes policy; and to its enforcement of the policy.  The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio and the Chief Executive responded thereon.

RESOLVED – (a)  That the new Government policy on First Homes, be noted, and the First Homes Policy Position Statement, as appended to the submitted report, be approved, for publication.

(b)  That delegated powers to make minor modifications to the First Homes Policy Position Statement, as appended to the submitted report, be given to the Assistant Director of Economic Growth in conjunction with the Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio.

REASONS – (a)  First Homes are the Government’s preferred discount market tenure and are required by national policy.

(b)  First Homes will assist in getting local people on the housing ladder. ?????