- Proposals for residential development will be expected to provide a mix of dwelling types and sizes to address the nature of local needs and contribute to the objective of creating a mixed and balanced community. To achieve this objective, provision should be made for smaller dwellings (1 bedroom – 3 bedroom) which should comprise 50% or more of the total in new residential development schemes of five or more dwellings. The tenure mix should also be suitable for those looking to rent/buy their first home and downsizers.
- All Development proposals should be delivered as accessible and adaptable dwellings in accordance with Building Regulations M4(2) or M4(3), unless evidence can be provided to demonstrate that such provision would be impracticable or render the scheme unviable.
The Parish Council carried out a Housing Needs Survey in November 2024.
NFDC Planning Policy Team also supplied information in respect of the need for affordable housing. This showed the number of applications for housing support (on the housing register) within the local area and includes the wider catchment area of Fordingbridge. (Preferences are not recorded to individual parish level). In total there are 170 people on the list. The Local Plan Strategic site 16: Land North of Station Road (Knightwood Chase development)which is under construction will provide 42 affordable homes (development of 198) just outside Sandleheath
There are two further strategic sites in Fordingbridge yet to be constructed in full or phased, which will also provide further affordable dwellings as part of the developments.
Sandleheath is dominated by 4+ bedroom housing stock (45%) with 3-bedroom properties making up a further 42% of the housing stock. Census data indicates that there is only a single one-bedroom property within the Neighbourhood Plan Area. The results of the Housing Needs Survey recorded no indication of 1 bed properties, just under 12% living in a 2-bed property 38% in a 3-bed with the remainder in 4+ bedroom properties.
Around 11% of those responding said they would like to move in the next 5 years, citing mainly a wish to downsize, ideally within the parish. Other comments reflected a desire for new homes to be lower cost, appropriately sized and attractive for younger people and older residents.
There is currently no social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing stock in Sandleheath.