The Council transferred its housing stock to Somer Community Housing Trust in 1999 and since then it has worked in partnership with Registered Providers and The Homes and Communities Agency to provide affordable housing. Registered Providers supply the new affordable housing and are typically, but not exclusively, housing associations.
Bath and North East Somerset Council supports the development of over 120 new affordable homes each year. Tenures include affordable social rent, intermediate housing (including low cost home ownership) and supported housing. Development targets are set by central government, regional planning policy and housing need as shown by local housing surveys and Homesearch (Housing Register).
You can apply online for affordable housing.
If you are interested in low cost home ownership please visit www.southwesthomes.org.uk and register on Homesearch
There is a high level of need for affordable housing throughout Bath and North East Somerset. A Strategic Housing Market Housing Assessment was carried out in 2009 which gives a detailed breakdown of housing need across six zones within Bath and North East Somerset.
Affordable housing will be provided on new housing development sites as part of the planning permission. Bath and North East Somerset Local Plan policy at present is that there shall be 35% affordable housing on all residential sites above a certain size. This policy is defined in detail in the Planning Obligations SPD July 2009, Appendix B, Affordable Housing – Further Guidance.
It is sometimes possible to deliver affordable housing in villages with a population of 3,000 or less on small sites known as Rural Exception Sites which would not be available only for those living in the locality or with local connnections.