JGP News

More affordable homes could be provided under flexible mechanisms or ‘cascades’ within S.106 agreements, it has been suggested.

In new research published by English Partnerships, the Housing Corporation and the Advisory Team for Large Applications, it was suggested that cascades can be helpful in ensuring delivery of property for large social housing projects quickly.

Beverley Spear, head of Housing Consultancy for English Partnerships, said: "Negotiations, especially on large planning applications often stall and hold up progress because there is an unacceptable risk that funding will not be available for S.106 affordable homes, especially if a scheme stretches over several Housing Corporation investment programmes."

She added that although a "one-size-fits-all" cascade approach may not be suitable, a "robust cascade agreement" that incorporates the quality and mixture of affordable property over the long-term should be considered during planning negotiations.

Consequently the provision of such mechanisms could be beneficial for people looking for jobs within social housing and those looking for a regional recruitment portal to fill such vacancies.

Andrew Whitaker, from the Home Builders Federation added that the study makes an "excellent starting point" in explaining the procedure of affordable housing via planning obligations.

Earlier this month, Adam Sampson from Shelter stated that focus on providing affordable housing throughout London was "good news" for people living in the capital.

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