Proposed draft housing policies under consideration

Housing

1. At a public meeting in 2022, called by the parish council and residents association to discuss the possible need for a NP, Housing was considered to be the key issue affecting the area. Four aspects were identified
   • affordable housing for families and singles on low incomes
   • housing for the increasing numbers of seniors
   • specialist housing for the elderly
   • the proliferation of HMOs in the area
2. Subsequent discussions in smaller groups around the NP area confirmed these issues. With financial support from Locality, AECOM were appointed in October 2023 to undertake a Housing Needs Assessment. A 107 page report was signed off in March 2024
3. A further pubic meeting in June 2024 considered the AECOM report, discussed its conclusions and agreed policies should be prepared.

Tenure and Affordability Policies

4. Taking into account the County Durham Plan (CDP) requirement of 25% affordable properties on new developments, the split between rental and purchase will be 65:35 in favour of rental.
5. The affordable element of new developments will be led by Council/Registered Social Housing Providers in partnership with the private sector,

6.Rental properties
a) will be excluded from any ‘right to buy’ provision
b) will be restricted to local people in the NP area and those working within a xx radius
of Belmont Community Centre

7, The following sites, unallocated in the CDP, will be reserved for housing
a) The former Gilesgate School grounds
b) Mullards Field
c) Land from the Durham Gate development towards the motorway

8. Affordable purchase?

Type and Size Policies

9. On new developments xx of the units will be three bedroomed terrace/town houses with
   rear gardens of a minimum xx sqm
10. On new developments, xx of units will be one bed flats in no more than three storey
    low rise blocks

10, All units will have solar panels and ground source or air source heating

Specialist Housing Policies

11 Bungalows, rather than inter generational houses, will be a priority for an increasing
elderly population wishing to live independently.

12, Small developments will be on level ground close to local services comprising no more
than xx units

13. All units must meet M4/2 standards and be capable of adaptation to M4/3
14. The following sites are reserved for specialist housing
    TO BE AGREED

Houses in Multiple Occupation Policies

15. While BPC and GRA continue to request DCC to undertake a review of the Article 4
    Direction the following policies will supplement Policy 16 of the CDP
16. The 100 metre radius restriction is replaced in cul de sacs with the 10% threshold
    applying to properties within the cul de sac.
17. HMOs will not be permitted if a C3 family home would be sandwiched between
    two HMOs or other non family residential uses.
18. HMOs will not be permitted if it leads to a continuous frontage of three or more HMOs
    or other non family residential uses