Information about the policies that guide how we deliver housing in the borough
Affordable Housing and Planning
As defined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Affordable housing is housing for sale or rent, for those whose needs are not met by the market.
The principle behind affordable housing contributions is well established nationally in that qualifying residential development must contribute to the provision of new affordable housing in the borough to meet housing need.
You can find out more by viewing our Affordable Housing Contributions guidance note.
Vacant building credit
Vacant buildings being reused or redeveloped may qualify for the vacant building credit. You can find out more in our vacant building credit guidance note.
Guidance for developers on viability appraisals
Guidance has been produced to assist developers, planning agents and applicants on the submission of viability and financial appraisals.
Housing Needs Assessment 2020
The Housing Needs Assessment assesses the need for different types and tenures of housing up until 2036.
Rural Affordable Housing
Over the last 15 years we've worked with housing association partners to develop new affordable homes in villages across the borough. Many of the schemes were given planning permission based on a long term agreement that when such homes are allocated, preference is given to people who:
- already live in the village, or
- have a connection to the village
In most cases, such housing has been developed where there are strong demand pressures for existing housing. And often where buying on the open market or private renting is beyond the reach of many people. As well as meeting identified housing need, such schemes have been developed to help sustain communities by enabling, particularly younger people, or low income households, to remain in the communities they're established in.
New affordable housing being developed in villages will often involve a mix of tenures. So as well as homes for low cost rent, there could be low cost homes for sale including shared ownership and shared equity.
For details of existing rural affordable schemes, please see our Rural affordable scheme documents page.
Homelessness Strategy
This Strategy acts as a flexible framework for the borough’s response to homelessness and rough sleeping - a set of principles and priorities for the next five years from 2024 to 2029.
Tenancy Strategy
Our Tenancy Strategy sets out our aims for social housing tenancies in the area, such as the type and length of a tenancy.
Each housing association has it's own Tenancy Policy explaining what type of tenancies they'll provide. These take into account our views as set out in the overall Tenancy Strategy.
Housing Assistance Policy (HAP)
The HAP sets out our approach in helping vulnerable people adapt or improve their homes, especially Disabled Facilities Grants.
Social Housing Allocations Policy
This is our policy for determining the priorities and procedures to be followed in allocating social housing in the area.
It explains the rules we'll follow in maintaining a housing register and how we allocate social housing to applicants on the register.
Lettings plans
The West Norfolk Homechoice Panel can agree lettings plans for certain schemes where a need has been identified by a housing association landlord to resolve specific housing management issues. Lettings Plans are for a limited time period and are subject to review.
Gypsy and traveller accommodation assessment (GTANA)
The GTANA is used to help with the preparation of development plan policies for the provision of new gypsy and traveller pitches and travelling showpeople plots in the borough. This ensures that local authorities comply with planning policy and legislation. For further information, please visit our Gypsy and traveller accommodation assessment page.
Custom and self-build action plan
Custom build homes are where people build their own homes or use a developer to build a home for them. We've created an action plan to help support custom and self-build housing.
Specialist retirement and accessible housing study for older people
This report looks at demand for specialist retirement housing as well as for care homes, dementia housing and accessible and wheelchair housing in Norfolk.