Council is one of the best in the East Midlands for affordable homes delivery

The Government’s affordable housing supply statistics for 2021-22 by local authority area show that the council is delivering more than double the average for the East Midlands.

There are 42 authorities across the region with overall delivery at 4,755 additional affordable homes, which averages 113 per authority. The council ranked in fifth place with 231 affordable homes.

The top two authorities were both unitary authorities, demonstrating the current high performance across Harborough district compared to other district and borough councils.

The Harborough Local Plan sets out a target of 179 affordable homes per year, which means that the council has exceeded this number in recent years. 

Whilst figures are not yet available for 2022-23, the council delivered 191 affordable homes during this period, resulting in an average delivery of 201 new affordable homes per year, over the last five years.

Affordable homes help a range of people access social rent and affordable rent properties; and shared ownership/intermediate housing are also being made available to help residents get their foot onto the property ladder.

Most affordable homes are delivered by developers who agree to provide a percentage of affordable housing on certain housing development sites. This agreement is reached via a Section 106 agreement which sets out, amongst other requirements, the affordable housing required.

Recent examples of Harborough District Council delivering affordable homes include Airfield Farm near Market Harborough, Tymecrosse Gardens in Market Harborough and Coventry Road in Lutterworth.

The council has ensured its affordable homes delivery remains high through evidence-based planning policies, joint working with developers and partners, and a strong corporate approach involving internal departments including Housing, Development Management, Strategic Planning, Legal, Finance, Democratic Services and the council’s Planning Committee.

Cllr Jim Knight, Harborough District Council’s Cabinet lead for Housing, said: “The number of people living and working in the Harborough district continues to grow year on year, so it is vital we continue to supply much-needed affordable homes to keep up with the demand. These figures show we are committed to helping residents and families secure housing that meets their needs and enables them to stay in the Harborough district.”