Affordable housing needs in Bracknell Forest

Affordable housing need update - June 2023

The information below provides the latest assessment of affordable housing needs in Bracknell Forest. Its purpose is to inform developers and registered providers of our needs and priorities for affordable housing.

Our priorities

1. Larger rented homes

The highest priority for affordable housing is larger family homes. These should make up 40% of affordable rented homes and more on greenfield site developments. Of greatest need are 5 and 6 person 3-bed properties, and 7 and 8 person 4-bed properties.

3. Social rented homes

Increasing the number of social rented homes is a priority for registered providers, Homes England and the council. Larger properties at affordable rent levels can be unaffordable for low-income households. The council would like to see more larger properties provided at social rents.

5. Accessible homes

There is an ongoing need for affordable rented 1, 2 and 3-bed wheelchair adaptable and accessible homes. Areas of priority are:

  • level access flats to M4(2) standard
  • 3-bed wheelchair adapted ground floor flats with parking
  • some 1 and 2-bed adapted bungalows

2. Other rented homes

There is also a strong need for other social and affordable rented homes. These include:

  • 2 and 3 bed houses for rent in suburban and greenfield locations
  • 1 and 2 bed houses and bungalows in suburban and greenfield locations
  • 1 and 2 bed flats on town centre sites
  • some 3 bed ground floor flats on town centre sites

4. Shared ownership homes

There is high demand for 2, 3 and a small number of 4-bed shared ownership houses on greenfield sites. These should be prioritised but not at the expense of larger rented homes. The demand for 1 and 2-bed flats is low on these sites.

There continues to be demand for 1 and 2-bed shared ownership flats:

  • in Bracknell and other existing settlements
  • close to local facilities
  • with access to private garden space or useable balconies

Analysis of need

This page contains key information about the housing need in Bracknell Forest. Details include:

  • housing register applications
  • types of property let
  • availability of homes for rent
  • waiting times
  • wheelchair accessible and adaptable homes
  • new affordable rented homes and new intermediate homes
  • affordable housing mix and affordability

Learn about our needs

Bracknell Forest’s Affordable Housing policy is set out in a number of planning documents.

Bracknell Forest Local Plan (2024)

Bracknell Forest Planning Obligations SPD 2015, Section 5.8

The Council Executive Decision, 29 March 2011