Belfast·SPG001 Affordable Housing and Housing Mix·Page 40·5.2.13
Alternatives to On-site Affordable Housing Delivery
Where delivering affordable housing on-site is not considered sustainable or viable, the Council will consider alternatives in order of priority, including phasing, variation in mix, reduction in units, off-site provision, or commuted sums, with emphasis on maximising on-site provision and land access over financial contributions.
Where delivering affordable housing is not considered sustainable or viable:
1. A deference in the timing of affordable housing requirements pertaining to the site (i.e. a phasing option);
2. A variation in the required mix of tenure, size or type of affordable units on the site, in accordance with the hierarchy of products outlined above;
3. A reduction in affordable units on the site;
4. Provision of the affordable housing units on an alternative site within the same local housing area; or
5. Commuted sum, equivalent to cost of constructing affordable unit(s) on site.
6. The maximum viable financial contribution in lieu of affordable provision.
Note: Any combination of the above may also be considered in the same order of priority, with an emphasis on maximising the number of affordable units on site and prioritising access to land (on-site or off-site) over financial contributions.
Source — /Users/richardhill/Documents/planning-arch-project/data/documents/belfast/SPG001 Affordable Housing and Housing Mix.pdf