A letter was sent to all our regular planning agents dated 29th August 2008. The following information was included in the letter.
Residential Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
The Council has adopted new parking standards for residential development which will take affect for planning applications submitted on or after 1 September 2008. Parking standards remain unaltered for non residential developments.
The approach set out in the SPD seeks to ensure adequate parking for new residential development with an emphasis on layout and design and providing a number of unallocated spaces to ensure the flexible use of parking spaces.
Residential Parking Standards SPD
Section 106 thresholds and implementation of administration and monitoring charges
This Council’s current approach to planning obligations is detailed under Local Plan Policy C1 and amplified within the policy guidance note ‘Section 106 Planning Obligations and Community Infrastructure’ (July 2005 and updated November 2006).
The Borough Council has considered the cumulative impact of all new residential development (i.e. one or more dwellings) on community resources in the Borough and the impacts that this has. Therefore it is proposed that all planning applications submitted on or after 1 October 2008 that seek a net increase of 1 dwelling or more (to include the conversion of an existing dwelling to flat(s)) will be required to enter into a Section 106 agreement to contribute to community improvements (defined as open space, kick-about, play and community facilities) as well as transport improvements (in line with Hampshire County Council’s recently adopted Transport Policy). Commercial developments of 100 sq metres of floorspace or more will be required to contribute to transport improvements.
In addition, and following a recent review of the cost of implementing Section 106 agreements, an administration and monitoring charge will also be required for all Section 106 agreements after 1 October 2008.
Details of the charging arrangements will soon be available on line. In addition we are currently developing a ‘self service’ agreement for developments of 9 or less dwellings or commercial developments of less than 1000sq metres to simplify the process. This will be available in the coming weeks.
Planning obligations / legal agreements
Design and Sustainability Supplementary Planning Document
This guidance provides a full range of information to support Policy E1 of the Adopted Local Plan. The intention is that the document will be adopted on the 30 September 2008. There are two key issues which I wish to bring to your attention.
The first is that the SPD provides a character analysis of the residential areas of Basingstoke Town (outside of the Conservation Areas) to recognise the distinct character of the town and its neighbourhoods. This will help guide new developments to ensure that their design contributes to this character.
Secondly the SPD introduces ‘Construction Statements’ which seek to ensure that all developments for new dwellings or for commercial developments of more than 100 sq metres take account of sustainable building measures at the planning stage. In addition all ‘major’ development will need to meet with Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes or a BREEAM rating of ‘very good’ for commercial development.
It is likely that an initial statement will be required as part of the registration of relevant planning applications and planning conditions will be imposed accordingly to achieve this goal. It is intended that planning applications submitted on or after 1 November 2008 will be subject to these new requirements
Design and Sustainability Supplementary Planning Document
1APP review
1APP was introduced in April 2008 and the intention is to review Basingstoke and Deane’s procedures in September 2008. The review will seek to amend the current approach to:
a) Require the submission of an initial construction statement in line with the requirements of the new Design and Sustainability SPD.
b) Require the submission of a draft Section 106 agreement or list of Head of Terms for planning applications for developments which require a contribution. Failing this a statement will be required as to why a contribution will not be needed.
c) Improve links to on-line information and guidance.
Other improvements will be sought as part of the review.
Further information and suggestions please contact Hilary Oliver on (01256) 845409 or email hilary.oliver@basingstoke.gov.uk