Rural Exceptions Sites: A step-by-step guide
Step 1 – Identify a Need
This need will usually be identified through a housing needs survey. The survey will be carried out by Daventry District Council.
Anyone proposing an exceptions scheme is encouraged to talk to the Affordable Housing Officer (AHO) at the earliest opportunity. Arrangements can then be made, in appropriate circumstances to undertake the survey. The Council will liaise with the parish council during this process.
The survey will gather evidence from local people to establish how many residents are currently in housing need.
The results of this survey will be included in a report which will highlight whether or not there is a need for affordable housing and local needs market housing in the parish. In respect of affordable housing it will also highlight how much residents can realistically afford to pay to purchase or rent a new home. The report will be published on the Councils website.
You can find a list of existing Housing Needs Surveys here - Please note that surveys to be used to support a planning application should be no older than three years.
Step 2 – Choose a suitable location
Once step 1 has been completed, suitable sites for development can then be considered. Rural exception sites will be located adjacent to the village boundary, as a natural addition to the local community.
In cases where a parish council is promoting a scheme, it is encouraged to liaise with the Affordable Housing Officer (AHO) to identify potential sites to accommodate a scheme. The AHO will liaise with the Council’s planners to identify the likelihood of planning permission being granted on shortlisted sites.
Where landowners are promoting a scheme, they are encouraged to liaise with the AHO and submit a formal pre-application request for advice regarding the likelihood of planning permission being granted.
Step 3 – Plan and design the properties
The Parish Council will be consulted on the design and layout of any plans submitted.
Step 4 – Seek Planning Permission
Planning permission will be applied for once steps 1, 2 and 3 have been completed.
If permission is granted it will be subject to a legal agreement which will set out how the properties will be nominated to. Details of this are set out in the Housing SPD
Step 5 – Construct and allocate properties
If planning permission is granted, development of the properties can begin.
Bids will be invited from residents on the Council’s housing register, and houses allocated in line with the legal agreement. This should ensure the local need for affordable housing identified at the beginning of the process is met.
