Decision details
Viability Protocol Supplementary Planning Document
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: Yes
Purpose:
The Viability Protocol Supplementary Planning
Document sets out overarching principles for how the council will
approach development viability, where this is a consideration as
part of the planning process. It provides guidance on the details
that should be included in Viability Appraisals and the councils
approach to considering viability matters.
The report seek delegated authority to proceed with stakeholder
consultation.
Decisions:
(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)
Cabinet received a report from the Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration to consider the draft Viability Protocol Supplementary Planning Document (draft SPD) and seek authorisation for the Service Manager – Planning and Housing Strategy to proceed with informal and statutory consultation.
The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:
Option 1: Progress the draft SPD through informal and statutorily defined consultation process.
Advantages:
The consultation process will provide engagement with stakeholders and allow them to influence the content of the draft SPD. Consultation and appropriate consideration of the responses will ensure that the SPD can be afforded weight when determining planning applications.
Disadvantages:
No disadvantages.
Risks:
No risks.
Option 2: Do not progress the draft SPD through informal and statutorily defined consultation process.
Advantages:
No advantages.
Disadvantages:
Additional guidance about the criteria within planning policies will not be available for prospective applicants or as a decision-making tool.
Risks:
Processing the draft SPD without the necessary consultation will reduce any weight which could be attached to it in the decision-making process.
The officer preferred option is Option 1 - Progress the draft SPD through informal and statutorily defined consultation process to ensure that if adopted it can be given weight in decision making.
Councillor Hanson proposed, seconded by Councillor Brookes:-
“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”
Councillors then voted:-
Resolved unanimously:
(1) That the draft SPD be approved and that authority be delegated to the Service Manager – Planning and Housing Strategy to advance the draft SPD through informal and statutory defined consultation processes.
(2) That the SPD will then be adopted unless the consultation results in any significant changes to the SPD which will be reported back to Cabinet for final endorsement.
Officer responsible for effecting the decision:
Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration
Reasons for making the decision:
The decision is consistent with the Council Plan 2018-2022 which includes ambitions to improve access to quality housing. The Corporate priorities (updated January 2020) set out a priority to develop housing to ensure people of all incomes are comfortable, warm and able to maintain their independence. The Lancaster Local Plan includes policies which seek to ensure that the new housing developments include a proportion of affordable housing and provide the necessary infrastructure contributions. The draft SPD will support the implementation of policies within the Local Plan.
Report author: Fiona Clark
Publication date: 22/01/2021
Date of decision: 19/01/2021
Decided at meeting: 19/01/2021 - Cabinet
Effective from: 30/01/2021
Accompanying Documents:
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