A RADICAL change in policy is set to force developers to build more affordable homes in the Basingstoke area.

Tonight's Cabinet meeting will be asked to approve a new draft affordable housing policy for the borough.

At present, 20 per cent of all new residential development sites of more than 25 dwellings has to be earmarked for affordable housing. The new draft policy seeks to increase this to 30 per cent.

In addition, the draft policy wants to cut the threshold in rural areas. It is proposed that where there is a minimum population of 3,000, the threshold where the 30 per cent ratio kicks in should be lowered to 15 dwellings and with a population of less than 3,000, the threshold be lowered from 25 to seven dwellings.

Cllr Paula Baker, Cabinet member for forward planning, said: "We are keen to increase the number of affordable homes in the borough.

"We have already discussed our proposals with the housing associations and representatives of the House Builders' Federation.

"Full public consultation on the draft guidance will also take place. I hope that the council will agree to introduce the new policies from December 6 so that local people can benefit from an increase in the number of affordable homes as soon as possible.

"Our recent independent housing needs assessment recommended that we seek 30 per cent of dwellings on new sites in the form of subsidised affordable housing.

"Most of this 30 per cent will be provided in the form of accommodation rented from registered social landlords but the policy also allows for some shared-ownership.

"In a ground-breaking move we also want to be able to ensure better provision of affordable homes in rural areas so we are setting a much lower threshold in small comunities.

"It's a really important step forward and will be of significant benefit to smaller communities."