Affordable housing alternatives and viability

Where an alternative is agreed on sustainability grounds only, it will be based on the assumption that the scheme is considered viable when meeting full policy requirements. A reduction in the number of affordable units on site will therefore usually only be permitted where there is a corresponding off site provision or commuted sum. Similarly, where the use of any of these options would be more cost effective to deliver than the preferred approach, a financial payment may be required in lieu. An exception to this may occur where the cost saving results directly in an equivalent saving in public sector grant funding for affordable housing.