Planning permissions for major developments have always come with an added condition – and to ensure that developers building in the area invest in local community facilities.
B&NES is launching a new six-week consultation in advance of the Local Plan Options consultation in the autumn, setting out how developers will be expected to contribute even more to physical infrastructure improvements and community benefits.
The proposals seek increased financial contributions from developers, which could provide home-to-school transport, GP surgeries, Early Years provision and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision.
Councillor Matt McCabe, Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, said: “We are setting out our expectations clearly and in advance. This is about leadership—making it known that development for private profit must be matched by tangible investment in our communities. We are not waiting for the Local Plan options to be finalised to make this point. We are acting now to protect our residents and ensure that infrastructure and community benefits are required as part of the planning process.
“We want to ensure that large new developments are supported by the infrastructure and facilities our residents need. These proposed amendments will help us fund essential services and improve the quality of life across Bath and North East Somerset.”
The consultation is seeking feedback on a draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) Interim Update, which sets out the council’s approach to developer contributions, also known as planning obligations. The council uses planning obligations to mitigate the impacts of new development in line with its priorities.
Millions of pounds of developer contributions arising from Planning Obligations have previously been used to fund projects in schools, green spaces, public realm improvements and highways improvements across Bath and North East Somerset.
The six-week consultation will end at 5 pm on 29 August. Residents, developers and stakeholders are encouraged to share their views.
Further information and to take part in the consultation, go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/planningspdupdate can be found on the council website.
There is already a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) in place which developers have to pay, the proceeds of which are allocated to community infrastructure etc.
Residential developers also have to make ‘Nature Diversity’ contributions, as well as allocating a percentage of any development for affordable housing
I read it as an increase!