A report which recommends Councillors approve a new Affordable Housing Strategy which would define ways in which homes for existing and prospective residents on lower incomes could be delivered over the next five years will be considered at Scrutiny and Cabinet meetings on the 8 and 22 July 2025 respectively.

Mole Valley is considered a beautiful location which is easily commutable to London. These combined factors have driven up the cost of homes in the district and created a barrier not only to many households who would wish to move into the area, but also existing residents who are being forced out of the district because they cannot afford to either rent or buy.

The draft Affordable Housing Strategy 2025-30 sets out plans for future development of more affordable homes in the district. The Strategy highlights 12 main objectives to meet this purpose; from making the best use of existing housing stock, to working with developers to ensure affordable rents in both the social and private sector are no higher than the local housing allowance level.  It seeks to find solutions for both the urban and rural areas of the district and also includes measures to promote low-cost home ownership opportunities, alongside social and affordable rents.

There has been an increasing demand for social housing in the district, with 709 housing register applications in 2024/25; an increase of 11% on the previous year. There are currently 662 households on the housing register awaiting social housing with an average of 178 properties being let each year.   

While development of new affordable housing units in the district has been lower than required in recent years, an increased level of interest has been shown by developers in available sites since the Mole Valley Local Plan has been adopted - bringing with it a stabilising effect. MVDC has also engaged in partnership working to great success in the past two years to deliver affordable housing sites such as Poland Meadows in Brockham and Kingston Gardens in Leatherhead.

Councillor Caroline Joseph, MVDC’s Cabinet Member for Services and Security, said: “The prospect of adopting a Strategy that includes measures to help house those most in need - who otherwise would not have the opportunity to live, and potentially work and contribute to the local economy in our district - is a significant step forward. While the shortage of affordable housing is by no means unique to Mole Valley, we have a responsibility to do all we can to provide homes for individuals and families. If, as expected, two or more unitary authorities come into force from 2027, this Strategy would be transferable, with the methods it contains able to support the delivery of increased affordable housing opportunities.”