Planning Refusal Overturned Because Of Housing Shortfall

A decision to refuse plans for 85 homes in North Oxfordshire has been overturned on appeal because of a housing shortfall.  Cherwell District Council refused an application for the dwellings in May 2013 but the owners of the land successfully obtained permission for the development on appeal. Cllr Michael Gibbard, lead member for planning, said: "Obviously we are incredibly disappointed with this decision as once again the opinions of the district council and local residents appear to have been ignored on appeal. To have lost the appeal because of a housing shortage only months after 375 other homes were approved on appeal for the same reason only adds to our frustration further." Read more on 24dash.

Council to Bank Homes Bonus to Offset Cuts

Cherwell District Council is to set aside almost half the bonus cash it gets for building new homes to make up for future government budget cuts . At a meeting last week the council’s executive agreed how it would spend the £1,340,156 it has been allocated under the Government’s New Homes Bonus for this financial year. Councillors decided to reserve 50 per cent of the funds – equating to £619, 958 – to make up for current and future cuts in government grants. Read more on the Banbury Guardian website.

Council to Cut Thousands from Housing Register

Cherwell District Council is set to change the way it deals with applications for social housing through changes to its allocation scheme in anticipation of the coming welfare reforms.  Applicants are currently divided into five bands - one denotes the highest level of need and five the least.  The new system will operate in three stages. Households will be assessed on whether they are eligible for social housing, qualify under the new scheme and are considered to be in a "reasonable preference" category.  Applicants who are homeless, have unacceptable living conditions or need to move on medical grounds are included in the groups most likely to fit into this bracket.  Under the new rules, anyone who does not qualify and is not considered to have "reasonable preference" will no longer be allowed on the register.  Find more details on the CDC website.