Devon County Council Cabinet backs housing plan to tackle affordability crisis

A wide-ranging set of measures aimed at addressing the county’s housing crisis has been agreed at the latest Council cabinet meeting.

At the meeting on Wednesday December 10 members supported lobbying for a clearer national definition of ‘affordable housing,’ and working with partners to secure a higher proportion of affordable homes in major developments.

Councillors also pledged to support Community Land Trusts (CLT), non- profit organisations that hold land on behalf of a community with the aim of delivering affordable housing.

According to the latest figures Devon has more than 40 CLTs, almost twice the number as next highest county.

The move follows warnings from the Devon Housing Commission and feedback from local residents that the serious shortage of affordable, good quality, secure housing in Devon, particularly in rural and coastal areas, was having a significant impact on communities, the workforce and the economy.

They will also collaborate with the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA) to develop a county-wide Spatial Development Strategy and create a Housing Intelligence Unit to monitor supply and demand.

Cabinet members also agreed to explore new solutions for care leavers and vulnerable adults, including repurposing underused housing stock and investing in extra care housing.

Although they aren’t responsible for housing stock and granting planning applications for new homes the Council are the largest authority in Devon and they will also continue to champion brownfield development and deliver countryside parks to balance environmental impacts.

The move comes after a recent residents’ survey revealed widespread concern over housing costs, second homes, and gaps in infrastructure.

Respondents called for more social housing and tighter controls on holiday lets, alongside sustainable development that protects Devon’s landscapes.

The Council will now push for Government support to maximise funding from the Social and Affordable Homes Programme, which offers £27.3 billion nationally over the next decade.

It also plans to work with the CCA to establish a viability team to ensure consistency in planning negotiations and explore opportunities for new settlements, including Marlcombe being led by East Devon District Council.