The Homes Strategy 2011-2015
The Homes Strategy is one of a suite of delivery plans which underpin the South Hams and West Devon Connect Strategy. It sets out how we will work in partnership with the community and voluntary sector and other public sector organisations to improve housing services across South Hams and West Devon over the next four years.
Homes – The Priorities:
- Balance the Housing Market
- Enhance Housing Options and Choice
- Secure Good Quality, Safe Homes
Homes - Delivery Plan of the South Hams and West Devon
This Strategy sets out our priorities for the next four years and specific actions for the next 12 months which are achievable and realistic. The Strategy will be reviewed and updated annually. It sets out the background and context within which we are working, evidence upon which it is based, our priorities for delivery, and a detailed action plan. It has been produced in a time of significant change and uncertainty and it recognises the current difficult economic conditions and unprecedented reduction in resources. We hope you will take the time to read this document. We have tried to make it relevant, interesting and easy to read.
If you would like to know how you can get involved in helping to shape housing services in South Hams and West Devon please contact the Strategic Housing Team; you can email them at homes@swdevon.gov.uk, or telephone 01803 861234.
Local Allocations Policy
A new Local Allocations Policy has now been adopted which provides more opportunity to meet housing need in our rural parishes.
Local Allocations Policy
The policy, which will sit alongside Devon Home Choice, will enable the Council to respond to the priorities of the local community alongside its statutory priorities to achieve more balanced and sustainable communities for the future by prioritising applicants in the following way:
- Local Connection Policy
This enables 50% of all new affordable rented homes to be set aside for applicants in housing need (bands A, B, and C in the four market towns, and bands A, B, C, and D in the rural areas) who have a local connection to a Parish;
- Tenants Incentive Scheme
This provides priority to applicants who wish to downsize from their existing accommodation by placing them in a higher need band;
- Under-Occupation Policy
This enables an element of under-occupation in new schemes where appropriate.
Homelessness Review and Strategy
The Council, as an excellent authority, is exempt from the statutory duty to publish a new homelessness strategy, based on the results of a further homelessness review, within the period of five years of their last homelessness strategy being published. However, South Hams District Council has developed a revised strategy based on an up-to-date review of homelessness in the district.
The revised Homelessness Review and Strategy (2008-2013) will direct our Housing Advice Service over the next five years and aims to meet identified gaps in services within the available resources for South Hams residents. The Strategy has been developed through a combination of research and feedback from partner stakeholders and services users.
Gypsy and Traveller Housing Needs Strategy
Devon wide Gypsy and Traveller Housing Needs Assessment - Final Report
The Allocation Policy
The Devon Home Choice Allocation Policy explains how local authority and housing association homes across Devon will be let and how applicants are assessed and prioritised. This can be found at Devon Home Choice website - Policy Document page.
Bond Scheme Policy
Empty Homes Strategy
Empty Homes Strategy 2009
Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy
Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy 2009-2010
What do you think?
When you have reviewed these documents, we would like to know what you think: Does it make sense?
Have we got our priorities right?
How can we improve our future plans? If you have any enquiries, comments or ideas relating to the housing strategy, please email: affordable.housing@southhams.gov.uk If you would prefer, you can contact us at: Affordable Housing
Housing & Community Delivery
South Hams District Council
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
TOTNES
Devon
TQ9 5NE Telephone: 01803 861234 |
