Issue - meetings

Background:

This report sought approval and adoption of a revised Guide to Developer Contributions, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, as a Supplementary Planning Document.

The existing guide, adopted in April 2008, set out the levels of Section 106 contributions that a developer should provide when intending to build 10 dwellings or more. Contributions were to address the impact of development, such as funding for school places to meet the needs of residents of the new development. Members were advised that since the guide was adopted much of the information had changed and some sections in the 2012 draft guide had been significantly revised, with new sections on affordable housing, waste and recycling. The draft therefore reflected current requirements.

The Cabinet had agreed on 17 April 2012 to a consultation exercise on a revised draft guide. The report gave details of the consultation exercise undertaken between May and June 2012 and a schedule of responses was attached at Appendix 2 to the report.

In relation to the options available to the Cabinet, it was reported that if the revised guide was not adopted developers would not have current information available to them and would not understand current requirements.

The Regeneration, Community and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered the draft guide on 4 October 2012 and the report set out details of its comments and recommendation.

A screening assessment for a Diversity Impact Assessment had been completed and was attached at Appendix 3 to the report. It was noted that the screening process had shown that a full assessment was not required.

Reasons:

The revised Guide to Developer Contributions will ensure that this process is up to date and reflects current requirements.