HERE is a success story which may have passed some readers by: West Berks/Reading local authorities have successfully challenged the Government’s recent change to national planning guidance.

This change had removed a council’s ability to levy an affordable housing contribution on any development of less than 11 properties.

Previously Oxford City Council could require a levy on any development of between four and nine properties, and require that 50 per cent of any development of 10 or more properties were ‘affordable’, ie to be allocated to people on the council’s waiting list.

Removing this power was particularly disastrous in Oxford, where so many developments are small scale because the land is so built up.

But now, as a result of this legal victory, our city council can again claim a financial contribution towards social housing from developers of sites with between four and nine properties and require the 50 per cent ‘affordable’ on larger sites.

As Oxford has a long waiting list of people in housing need, it is important that new developments contribute to meeting that need.

Liberal Democrats have been pressing for some key worker housing to be included in the ‘affordable’ quota.

I understand that the Government is considering an appeal against this reversal of its unpopular change.

All cities, towns and neighbourhoods, including ours, must get involved if the appeal goes ahead – the fight is on!

LIZ WADE
Lib Dem City Councillor for St Margaret’s Ward
Polstead Road, Oxford