The Parish Council has commissioned a report, funded by a Central Government grant, as part of the evidence base for the emerging neighbourhood plan.

Whilst homes in the parish continue to be more affordable than in neighbouring settlements, sadly homes to purchase in Hurst Green continue to be beyond the scope of many.

Current evidence points towards a need for between eight and 30 affordable homes to be delivered over the Plan period in Hurst Green. The report states that this should be achievable through the allocation of sites in the Neighbourhood Plan, in addition to the site already having planning permission, however only where the affordable threshold is fully met. 

The Local Call for Sites and subsequent Site Assessment process for the Neighbourhood Plan has revealed sufficient sites within and adjacent to Hurst Green Village to deliver the required quantum of development, including the affordable quota. That said, this would be focussed on the village of Hurst Green rather than the outlying settlements. Whilst the evidence on housing need demonstrates that the focus of need is in Hurst Green village, a modest affordable housing need in Silver Hill exists. Silver Hill does not have a development boundary and is therefore considered as ‘countryside’ in local planning terms. Despite this, the report highlights that consideration needs to be given as to whether any of the sites in Silver Hill might be suitable for residential development and, if so, whether there might be a case to argue for their inclusion within the overall housing target.

The full report is at: https://hurstgreen2030.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Affordable-Housing-Report-July-2021.pdf