On or off site? Considering the value and approach to affordable housing delivery

Insights

On or off site?

Considering the value and approach to affordable housing delivery

07 Apr 2021
There is a common perception that the provision of affordable housing off-site is less valuable than on-site provision. The policy approach in the NPPF drives this, alongside the approach taken in local planning policies which often, particularly in England, set an even higher bar for the provision of off-site affordable housing. However, our research highlights the positive contribution off-site affordable housing can make in delivering much needed affordable housing.
This Insight considers how adopted Local Plans deal with off-site affordable housing provision – whether the approach is set out within policy or in the supplementary text. It tests the hypothesis that there are geographic factors related to the wider housing market which influence the approach adopted in respect of the provision of off-site affordable housing provision and the willingness of LPAs to accept this approach.