form of contribution wherever policy requirements relating to affordable housing
(including size, type, mix and tenure) cannot be met on site, including for
viability reasons. On sites in lower viability areas and on previously developed
sites in middle viability areas, applicants should demonstrate that external
grant funding has been sought to cross-subsidise schemes in these
circumstances.
The requirements for previously developed land and greenfield sites apply to all relevant developments within the existing built-up area of the borough. The requirements for Green Belt sites apply to all relevant developments (whether they are previously developed land or greenfield) on land within the Green Belt or on land which is removed from the Green Belt by this plan.
Review and clawback mechanisms may be used in section 106 agreements to reassess viability over the lifetime of the development.
Affordable housing will be sought on all council owned sites to be developed for housing, regardless of size.
As high a proportion of affordable dwellings for social rent should be provided in lower viability areas as possible, with the remainder delivered as shared ownership/intermediate housing. In middle and higher viability areas the split sought is 50/50 between shared ownership/intermediate and social rent.
The mix of house type and tenure of affordable housing should be consistent with the latest published Housing Needs Assessment for Stockport.
The council will take account of requirements of external funders of affordable housing, such as Homes England when considering tenure and housing mix.
Revisions to housing mix may be negotiated if larger dwellings are required subject to the level of any subsidy remaining unchanged.
Specialist housing that does not provide self-contained homes such as nursing and children's homes will not be expected to provide affordable housing for these units.
Wherever a residential development is delivered in multiple phases, affordable housing should be provided in each phase unless it would be demonstrably unviable to do so. The number, type and tenure of affordable dwellings for each phase should be specified. Affordable housing should be fully integrated within the layout.
Affordable housing should be delivered on site. Exceptionally, a reduced level of on-site provision may be acceptable, with the remainder of the requirement provided off-site through a financial contribution secured by a section 106 agreement. Off-site provision will only be considered acceptable where