Sandwell Local Plan Main Modifications Consultation

Support

Representation ID: 1753

Received: 27/03/2026

Respondent: Anchor

Agent: Miss Sarah Millier

We recommend a more flexible approach to housing mix is taken for older persons’ housing. Anchor’s developments typically comprise single apartment buildings with around 70 high-quality social rent homes for older people, mainly one-bedroom apartments. Mixed tenure buildings (e.g. combining social rent with affordable rent or sale) can create market challenges and affect viability. Two-bedroom homes are also difficult to let due to under-occupancy charges and the prevalence of single-person households. Flexibility in tenure and housing mix is essential to ensure the viability and successful delivery of older persons’ housing developments to meet needs. The policy should be amended accordingly.