First Homes were introduced in June 2021 following an update to the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) published by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Now the Department for Levelling Up, Communities and Local Government).
First Homes are a specific tenure of discounted market housing and should be considered within the definition of ‘affordable housing’. Detailed definitions of First Homes and eligibility criteria are set out within the PPG and summarised in the Guidance Note.
There is a requirement in the revised PPG for a minimum of 25% of all affordable housing to be delivered as First Homes. The remainder of any affordable housing provided should be in accordance with the percentages set out in the local plan.
The First Homes Interim Policy Guidance Note provides an overview of what First Homes are and how Officers see this being implemented within Cherwell. The note does not set policy per se, but simply provides clarity on how the PPG will be applied within Cherwell. The Guidance Note includes a number of worked examples to assist with the implementation of First Homes.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 07/01/2022
Decision due: 23 Dec 2021 by Assistant Director Planning and Development
Lead member: Councillor Colin Clarke colin.clarke@cherwell-dc.gov.uk, Councillor Lucinda Wing lucinda.wing@cherwell-dc.gov.uk
Lead director: David Peckford
Department: Housing
Contact: Frances Evans, Housing Strategy and Development Team Leader Email: frances.evans@cherwell-dc.gov.uk Tel: 01295 227033, Andrew Maxted, Planning Policy, Conservation and Design Manager Email: andrew.maxted@cherwell-dc.gov.uk Tel: 01295 221642.