EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK LOCAL NEEDS AFFORDABLE HOUSING

For those parishes which are primarily in the Exmoor National Park area the Exmoor National Park Local Plan 2001-2011, adopted in 2005, established policies controlling the provision of new housing within the National Park. Broadly, this can be summarised as follows:-

• New build housing development is restricted to the defined local rural centres and villages identified in Policy S1
• New housing will be for people demonstrating a strong local connection, and who are in affordable housing need. See Policies H1 and H2 for the planning definition.
• New affordable housing will built either within or adjacent to the existing settlements.
• Within the three Local Rural Centres (Dulverton, Porlock, Lynton/Lynmouth), the change of use of existing buildings to housing may be permitted, and not less than 50% of housing provided will be affordable housing for local people. See Policies H3 and H4. Elsewhere in the National Park, conversions and change of use will only be permitted to provide local needs affordable housing.
• In certain circumstances affordable housing may be provided by conversion/change of use of existing buildings. This can happen in settlements, and in some instances could be permitted in areas outside those, classified in planning terms as “open countryside” such as on farms or within hamlets. See Policy H7.

The National Park Authority is happy to provide pre-application advice. We suggest that if you are considering making a planning application for local needs affordable housing, you should contact the Planning and Community Team (01398 323665) rather than relying on this summary. The planning process for affordable housing is described in more detail in the following letter by the Head of Planning.

Anyone who believes they are in affordable housing need, and who would like to be considered for housing delivered under these policies, will need to complete the Exmoor National Park Authority Local Plan Housing Policy Questionnaire. In most instances they will also need to be on the housing register with North Devon Council or West Somerset Council. It is recognised that this involves much form filling, with some duplication of information. The Rural Housing Project and ENPA are working with the district councils and housing associations to simplify this process.

• Exmoor National Park Housing Questionnaire (Word 176KB)
• Letter from the Head of Planning (PDF 39KB)
• Local affordable housing in Exmoor National Park (PDF, 1.7MB)

Completed local needs affordable housing schemes within the National Park:

A total of 34 local needs affordable homes have been completed since the adoption of the Local Plan in March 2005.  Further affordable housing schemes are currently under construction or have recently gained planning permission - including 12 homes (10 rented and 2 self-build plots) at the Cutcombe market site and 12 homes for rent in Dulverton .  The Rural Housing Enabler is working with developers, parish councils and planning officers to ensure that further schemes are coming forward.

• Planning
• Affordable Housing
  • A Simple Guide
  • Exmoor National Park Local Needs Affordable Housing
  • Parish Housing Need Reports
  • West Somerset Rural Affordable Housing
  • North Devon Rural Affordable Housing
• Reports
• Sustainability
• Application Forms
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Information for farmers and land managers
• NEW! Partnership Fund