Agenda item

To seek Members’ final views on the SPD prior to its adoption as an SPD which will be part of the Local Democracy Framework (LDF) and subject to the agreement of the Cabinet on 14 October 2008.

The Chair asked and it was agreed to vary the agenda to consider item 15 next.

Cllr Bevan entered the meeting at 8:15pm.

The Haringey Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) would form part of the Council’s Local Development Framework (LDF).  It would provide guidance on the existing UDP policies and would be a material consideration when considering and determining planning applications.  The SPD would replace the existing SPG on housing standards, density, design and affordable housing. 

A public consultation took place between 17 April and 29 May 2008 on the Draft Haringey Housing SPD.  A total of 14 written responses were received from individuals or organisations.  An area of concern was raised by the GLA in relation to affordable housing and the 50:50 tenure split between social rented and intermediate provision as a starting point.  The GLA advised that in conformity with the London Plan which stated that boroughs should take account of the London-wide 70:30 housing tenure split in setting targets.

Following the public consultation on the draft Sustainability Appraisal of the Housing SPD, the draft SPD had been amended, where appropriate, to reflect the representations received, including those made by the GLA.  The report sought Members’ final views on the SPD prior to its adoption as an SPD which would be part of the LDF subject to the agreement of the Cabinet on 14 October 2008.

The Committee was advised that the SPD would be used to provide benefits for the Haringey community in terms of ensuring an adequate standard and range of housing, especially affordable and accessible housing in order to meet current and future needs of the borough.

Cllr Patel entered the meeting at 8:20pm.

Cllr Bevan addressed the meeting to support the Housing SPD and the number of improvements in obtaining mixed sustainable housing and balanced communities.   The threshold for affordable housing within the Housing SPD was 10 units, however endeavours had been made to reduce this to 5 units, which was not possible and therefore, an aim for the future.  Cllr Bevan expressed his sincere thanks to the officers for their hard work on Housing SPD.

The Committee raised several points in relation to the Housing SPD and enquired:

1. What consultation took place with the wider community and whether any other objections/proposals had been received.
2. What were the implications for large sites like the Haringey Heartlands or Tottenham Hale development in terms of the guidance.
3. Homes in multiply occupation (HMOs) – how would Haringey tighten control and the SPD fit into the work on HMOs.
4.  The affordable housing target was set at 680 units per year and a target of 50% for new housing.  How would this compare to the actual need in the borough?
5. Would the Housing SPD increase the strength of the Committee in terms of the design of future proposals?
6. On page 190, paragraph 4.7, required that new housing development should take place on previously developed land and new development proposals would make effective use of the land.

In response the Committee was advised:

1. The Council was obliged to consult with stakeholders and the community.  The consultation took place in April/May 2008 together with an exhibition.  There was also further provision to make comments on-line on the Council’s website.  At the back of the report (page 151), this detailed all comments/responses received during the consultation and a number were taken on board.
2. All housing development in Haringey Heartlands and Tottenham Hale would comply with the requirements for 50% affordable housing for those sites.
3. The Housing SPD set out the standards of development and how to proceed.  Page 202 of the document listed some of the standards sought to be achieved in housing development, however the SPD would feed into how to deal with the problems of HMOs. 
4. The 680 units per year was the target for additional homes.  The number of units would be dependent on an assessment of local need when the proposal was put forward for consideration. 
5. The objective of the Housing SPD was to reinforce the policies in the UDP, the Core Strategy and the support the wider planning objectives to achieve a mix of developments.
6. It was now a requirement that all developments should be on brownfield sites but could also be on green sites where previous development had taken place.

The Committee was asked to note the work, including consultation, carried out on the proposed Haringey Housing Supplementary Planning Document, and the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal.

The Chair moved a motion to agree the recommendations outlined in the report and to echo Cllr Bevan’s thanks to the officers for their hard work.

RESOLVED

1. That the work, including consultation, carried out on the proposed Haringey Housing Supplementary Planning Document, and the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal be noted;
2. That the approval be given to the adoption of the Haringey Housing SPD and the accompanying sustainability appraisal, and that Cabinet be recommended to give its approval on the 14 October 2008.
3. That officers be thanked for their hard work on the Housing SPD and the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal.