A rural exception site is a site that sits outside the development framework boundary, which would never normally be given planning consent but may be considered where it provides affordable homes for local people.

Homes can only be brought forward on these sites if there is a proven unmet local need for affordable housing and a legal planning agreement, also known as a Section 106 agreement (s106), is put in place to ensure that the homes will always remain affordable. This includes restricting the percentage that can be purchased under shared ownership properties to an 80% share. The s106 agreement also ensures that the homes will be for those in need of housing and prioritised for applicants with a strong local connection to the parish.

Guidance set out in the Government's National Planning Framework may allow a small element of market housing to be developed on rural exception sites to support the delivery of affordable housing where sufficient public subsidy is not available.

Land value on rural exception sites is valued lower as it sits outside the development framework for that area. As the land value is cheaper, more affordable homes can be delivered for local people. 

For more information please read our Rural Exception Sites leaflet [PDF, 0.3MB].

If you have a piece of land that you feel would be suitable for a small affordable housing development, please complete the Exception Site Registration Form linked at the top of the page.

Housing needs survey

We work in partnership with Cambridgeshire ACRE and a number of Housing Associations to deliver affordable housing for villages in South Cambridgeshire. The Housing Needs Survey complements the Housing Register by adding to our understanding of housing need in rural communities.

The survey questionnaire is posted to every address in the village and has been carried out by Cambridgeshire Acre since 2009. To request a copy of the Housing Needs Survey please email: Housing.strategy@scambs.gov.uk