1. Housing Mix and Affordability
New residential developments (including mixed-use schemes with a housing element) must deliver a variety of housing types and tenures to meet identified local needs. Proposals will be supported that:
a. Provide a mix of dwelling sizes: Developments of 5 or more dwellings should include a range of unit sizes. In particular, a significant proportion of smaller homes (1-2 bedrooms) is expected – such as apartments, cottages, or bungalows – to reflect the need for starter homes and downsizing options in Long Leys. Family homes (3 bedrooms) are also supported, but proposals skewed heavily towards 4+ bedroom executive homes will be discouraged unless robustly justified by up-to-date evidence of demand. As a guideline, on schemes of 10 or more units, at least 50% of market homes should be 1-3 bedrooms in size.
b. Include affordable housing: Developments that meet the Local Plan’s threshold for affordable housing provision must deliver on-site affordable housing in line with the Local Plan’s required percentage (currently 25% for Lincoln urban area, subject to any updated policy). The mix of affordable units (tenure and size) should address local needs as indicated by the latest evidence. In Long Leys, there is strong demand for affordable rented accommodation; consequently, the majority of on-site affordable units should be provided as social rent or affordable rent, unless an alternative tenure split can be demonstrated to better meet local needs Affordable home ownership (e.g., shared ownership or First Homes) is also supported, particularly to assist first-time buyers, but these should be genuinely affordable in the local context (preferably smaller homes with discounted prices).
c. Specialist and Accessible Housing: Proposals for housing specifically designed for older people or those with disabilities (such as retirement bungalows, assisted living apartments, or wheelchair-accessible homes) will be supported, especially as part of larger developments. On developments of 10 or more dwellings, the inclusion of a proportion of accessible/adaptable homes (meeting M4(2) or M4(3) Building Regulations standards) is strongly encouraged, to increase housing choice for people with mobility issues. The integration of a small, sheltered housing scheme or senior co-housing cluster within the community would be welcomed to enable ageing in place.
d. Innovative and flexible models: The inclusion of self-build or custom-build plots, live-work units, or modular eco-homes within a development will be supported as means to broaden housing options, provided they meet design and sustainability standards. The plan supports identification of a small number of plots for self-build/custom build in Long Leys if demand is evidenced (the Council’s self-build register should be consulted). Live-work units (dwellings with dedicated workspace for home businesses) are supported to cater to modern working patterns, subject to ensuring any business use remains compatible with a residential area.
e. Integration of Affordable Housing: Affordable homes should be tenure-blind in design (indistinguishable from market units) and dispersed (pepper-potted) throughout the development rather than concentrated in one corner, to promote social integration. The phasing of large developments should ensure affordable housing is delivered in step with market housing.
2. Location
Proposals that meet the criteria set out above and contribute to a mixed, inclusive neighbourhood will be viewed favourably. In particular, proposals to develop housing in the following two locations will be supported, subject to the location-specific requirements set out for each:
- Albion Works Site – as part of mixed use redevelopment of the area which also provides for appropriate non-residential uses that sustain at least the same level of employment as businesses on this site currently (2025) provide; and
- Land to the South of the A46 – in a form that sits unobtrusively within the wider Green Wedge setting and contributes substantially to the area’s biodiversity, landscape quality and Green Infrastructure functions.