East Hampshire District Council is taking an important step to addressing the district's need for affordable homes by releasing a draft Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for public consultation.
This initiative aims to ensure the affordable housing delivered in East Hampshire meets the specific needs of local communities.
Cllr Angela Glass, EHDC’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “As one of Hampshire's most unaffordable areas, East Hampshire faces significant challenges in providing affordable housing.
“Following the government's introduction of a mandatory housing target of 1,142 homes per year, the draft SPD clarifies existing requirements for affordable housing, helping developers and stakeholders better align with the district's priorities.”
The SPD does not introduce new policies but provides guidance for implementing existing ones. It applies to the area within East Hampshire outside of the South Downs National Park.
The draft SPD is available for consultation from Monday, 31 March, to the end of Monday, 28 April 2025.
Supporting documents, including a Draft Affordable Housing SPD, an Equality Impact Assessment and a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening Statement.
Strategic Environmental Assessment, a Habitats Regulations Assessment, Screening Statement and an Equality Impact Assessment, are also available for review.
Documents can be viewed online or in person at local libraries (Petersfield, Alton, Liphook, and Bordon), Horndean Parish Council office, and East Hampshire District Council’s offices by appointment.