5.20.6 Government advice in Planning Policy Guidance Note Number 3 indicates that Local Plan policies should not be expressed in favour of any particular form of housing tenure. The provisions of Circular 6/98 do, however, enable the Council to include a policy for seeking an element of affordable housing on suitable sites, provided that such sites are proposed for the development of at least 25 dwellings. The Council is aware that, in its smaller settlements such sites are very seldom identified and, accordingly, Policy H9 is seen as enabling the Council to obtain the development of affordable housing in these rural areas.

5.20.7 For Morpeth and Ponteland, the Council has assessed the appropriateness for affordable housing of sites proposed for development. On the basis of its Housing Needs Study, which will be monitored and updated on a regular basis, the Council will seek to negotiate planning agreements or obligations (normally by means of a Section 106 agreement) to obtain an agreed element of local needs housing reserved initially, and on subsequent change of occupier, at a reduced price or rent.