A major update to policy CS21 of the Elmbridge Core Strategy has come into effect as of the 23rd ofJuly 2025.
Previously, small sites of 1-9 dwellings were required to make a contribution towards affordable housing -this ranged from 20-30%, either on-site or as a financial contribution.
After a recent review, Elmbridge Borough Council have decided that current circumstances mean more weight should be given to the NPPF affordable housing policy, rather than CS21.
Therefore, all applications of less than 10 units, determined on or after 23 July 2025, will not require an affordable housing provision.
This is a validation of what S106M have been saying for the last decade - the economics of small sites simply cannot sustain the levels of contribution sought by local authorities. We hope that this is the beginning of a shift away from the trend of seeking contributions on small sites in areas such as Richmond, Southwark, Hackney and others.
The new thresholds are as follows:
Given sites in Elmbridge tend to have larger houses/gardens - it will still be necessary to provide and FVA for sites of 0.5ha or more, which may cover quite a few small sites still.
We understand that the LPA is not seeking review mechanisms at this stage.
If you have a previously agreed s106 contribution on a small site in Elmbridge, please call us today - we can help ensure this is now removed.
So, get in touch today if you have a development of 10+ dwellings or larger than 0.5Ha.
