Rural exception site policy allows local planning authorities to grant planning permission for affordable housing on land that would not normally be permitted for housing because, for example, it is subject to polices . Hence an exception is made to normal planning policy to address proven local housing need. However, other planning issues such as site suitability, scale, design, etc. must still be addressed.

 

Rural exception sites normally abut the village boundary.  Land values  for rural exception sites are typically lower than those for market housing because it sits outside of the usual development area. They are an exception to planning policy and do not set a precedent for other amendments to village boundaries. They are typically around 6-12 homes. 

 

Subject to a proven housing need, affordable homes can be brought forward and a legal planning agreement (Section106 agreement) is put in place to ensure that the homes will always remain affordable, this includes restricting the percent that can be purchased under shared ownership properties to 80% share. The agreement also ensures the homes will be prioritised for those with a strong local connection to the parish. ​​​​​​​​

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Usually when people join the housing register their level of need is assessed and they are allocated to a priority band on a scale, for example,  A to D with A being the highest level of need. Priority for homes will then be given to the households on the highest band. The lettings system for affordable housing changes for rural exception sites. This means that with a rural exception site, households with a local connection are the highest priority. Therefore, even a household on Band D with a local connection would take priority over a household on Band A with no local connection to the parish.

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‘Local’ is defined as the parish in which the rural exception site is located. Prospective households can qualify as local through residence, close family connections or employment. The exact criteria such as length of residence, are determined by the local authority.

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Any kind of affordable housing can be delivered, including social or affordable rent and shared ownership provided there is adequate evidence of local need. ​​