Developer contributions scheme - our consultation response

Housing Rights Service welcomes this long awaited consultation on proposals to introduce a developer contributions scheme for social and affordable housing in Northern Ireland. We recently submitted our response to the Department for Social Development on the topic.

Introduction of planning obligations 

The introduction of planning obligations is particularly welcome in this time of constrained public financing and sustained housing need. We support the Department’s aim to “promote decent, affordable and sustainable housing, particularly in terms of tenure, price and household composition” and the recognition that “the provision of more affordable housing is a cornerstone of sustainable communities”.

Northern Ireland can learn from others

Northern Ireland is unique within the UK and Ireland in not already requiring a contribution from developers in the provision of social and affordable housing. An opportunity now exists for local planning policy to reflect frameworks  in place in other jurisdicitions and learn from the experience in other jurisdictions. It is important to stress that any developer contributions should only complement the existing social housing development programme which still needs to be supported and prioritised by government.

Establish a stakeholder working group

Given the complexity of the proposals, we would recommend that a small stakeholder working group is set up by the Department for Social Development and Department of the Environment. The group could advise on the design and delivery of the policy and work within a time limit to ensure it doesn’t prolong the policy making process.