Housing development — Chartered Institute of Housing Occupational Qualification Public Services Revision

    This element explores the multifaceted process of housing development, from national policy drivers to on-site construction. It equips learners with the kn

    Topic Synopsis

    This element explores the multifaceted process of housing development, from national policy drivers to on-site construction. It equips learners with the knowledge to navigate the planning system and understand how homes are delivered across tenures, ensuring they can effectively contribute to project viability and community-focused development within their professional roles.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Housing development

    CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF HOUSING
    vocational

    This element explores the multifaceted process of housing development, from national policy drivers to on-site construction. It equips learners with the knowledge to navigate the planning system and understand how homes are delivered across tenures, ensuring they can effectively contribute to project viability and community-focused development within their professional roles.

    1
    Learning Outcomes
    3
    Assessment Guidance
    3
    Key Skills
    1
    Key Terms
    3
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing

    Topic Overview

    The CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing is a professional qualification designed for individuals working in or aspiring to work in the housing sector. It covers the core principles of housing policy, law, and practice, equipping students with the knowledge to manage housing services effectively. This qualification is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Housing and is a key step towards becoming a Chartered Member.

    This topic focuses on the legal and regulatory framework governing housing in the UK, including landlord and tenant law, homelessness legislation, and the role of local authorities. Students will explore how housing policies address issues such as affordability, decent homes, and community safety. Understanding these concepts is crucial for anyone involved in housing management, as they directly impact service delivery and tenant welfare.

    The certificate fits into the wider Public Services curriculum by linking housing to social policy, public health, and community development. It prepares students for roles in housing associations, local government, and third-sector organisations, where they can influence positive outcomes for residents. Mastery of this content ensures students can navigate complex housing systems and advocate for effective solutions.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Housing Law: Key legislation such as the Housing Act 1988, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which define rights and responsibilities.
    • →Tenure Types: Understanding secure, assured, and assured shorthold tenancies, and how they affect security of tenure and rent levels.
    • →Homelessness Prevention: The duty of local authorities to prevent and relieve homelessness, including the 'priority need' categories and intentional homelessness.
    • →Housing Standards: The Decent Homes Standard and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) for assessing property conditions.
    • →Social Housing Allocation: How councils allocate social housing based on need, including the role of housing registers and choice-based lettings.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • 1. Understand the policy framework and development process for the building of new homes across a range of tenures.2. Understand the planning framework.3. Understand the construction process.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for accurately explaining the key national and local policy levers that influence housing supply, including the National Planning Policy Framework and local housing strategies.
    • Award credit for demonstrating a clear understanding of the planning application process, including the role of viability assessments and Section 106 agreements.
    • Award credit for describing the RIBA Plan of Work stages and their application to housing projects, identifying key responsibilities at each phase.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡When discussing the policy framework, always reference current government data on housing need and link it to local plan-making duties to demonstrate contextual understanding.
    • 💡In assessments, use real-world examples of planning applications to illustrate your understanding of the development management process, highlighting where viability negotiations occurred.
    • 💡Ensure you can compare the construction processes of different tenures, referencing building regulations and any additional standards (e.g., Housing Quality Indicators) that apply to affordable housing.
    • 💡Always cite specific legislation and case law to support your answers. For example, refer to the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 when discussing prevention duties.
    • 💡Use real-world examples to illustrate how housing law applies in practice, such as the impact of the 'Bedroom Tax' on under-occupation in social housing.
    • 💡Structure your answers clearly: define the issue, state the relevant law, apply it to the scenario, and conclude with the likely outcome.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Students often confuse the discretionary nature of the UK planning system with a more rigid zoning approach, failing to appreciate the role of local plan policies.
    • A common error is underestimating the financial viability considerations, such as affordable housing contributions, that directly impact development delivery.
    • Many learners overlook the critical difference between construction for market sale and social rent in terms of design standards and construction warranties.
    • Misconception: All tenants have the same rights. Correction: Rights vary significantly by tenure type; for example, assured shorthold tenants have less security than assured tenants.
    • Misconception: Local authorities must house all homeless people immediately. Correction: The duty is to prevent or relieve homelessness, but not everyone is owed a full housing duty; priority need and local connection rules apply.
    • Misconception: The Decent Homes Standard is a legal requirement for all homes. Correction: It applies only to social housing; private rented sector homes are regulated by HHSRS.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic understanding of UK public services and local government structures.
    • •Familiarity with key social policy concepts such as welfare, poverty, and inequality.
    • •Knowledge of the roles of housing associations and local authorities in housing provision.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • 1. Understand the policy framework and development process for the building of new homes across a range of tenures.2. Understand the planning framework.3. Understand the construction process.

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