• up to 30% affordable housing should be viable in urban areas without additional public subsidy, with between 30% and 50% viable in higher value rural areas;
• there is potential for a higher level of provision, up to 40% on greenfield sites, subject to detailed assessment of individual scheme costs, particularly the need for infrastructure provision;
• thresholds should be set at 15 dwellings. There is scope for lower thresholds of 5 dwellings in urban areas and 2 dwellings in rural areas, although such thresholds would only be viable at lower percentages of affordable housing provision;
• on smaller sites, the Council should look at the potential for commuted sums payments in lieu of on-site provision;
• the current assessment of viability is sensitive to changing costs and values and will need to be kept under review. Additional statutory requirements e.g. the Code for Sustainable Homes will potentially have a significant impact on overall scheme viability.

For further information on the Wokingham Study, or to see how Levvel could help you in assessing the viability of affordable housing policy in your area, contact Peter Shadbolt on 020 7978 0130.