Decision details

Decision(s): That

(1)  The Scoping Report for the Affordable and Supported Housing Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD) for public consultation be approved

Reason(s) for the Decision(s):

A Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is intended to provide further detail to policies in the Local Plan. It does not have Development Plan status, but it will be accorded weight as a material planning consideration in the determination of planning applications.

The Council adopted its Local Plan in April 2017. This includes policy HC1 which set out the Council’s approach to affordable housing in the borough. To support this policy the Council has had an Affordable Housing SPD in place from 2018. This was replaced in 2023 by the Affordable and Supported Housing SPD. This Scoping Report is looking to update this 2023 SPD.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not to do an SPD. It is not a requirement to do an SPD on this (or other topics) but the existing one will be overtaken by events and it is good practise to provide additional guidance on this issue to secure the affordable housing that we need in Sefton.