First Homes

The First Homes Policy Position Statement [pdf document] was adopted by the Council on 6 December 2022.

It provides guidance on the delivery of First Homes in the borough and should be read with the adopted Darlington Local Plan and associated Supplementary Planning Documents.

The statement explains how the new requirement affects the implementation of Local Plan policy H5: Affordable Housing.

First Homes are the Government's preferred discounted market tenure for first time buyer's and are classed as an affordable home.  They are subject to specific criteria.  The requirement for First Homes was introduced by Written Ministerial Statement in May 2021 and came into force on 28 June 2021 (subject to transitional arrangements).