Issue - meetings
Viability Protocol Supplementary Planning Document
Meeting: 01/03/2022 - Cabinet (Item 89)
89 Viability Protocol Supplementary Planning Document 
PDF 478 KB
(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Dowding)
Report of Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration
Additional documents:
- Viability Protocol SPD Consultation Statement_, item 89
PDF 755 KB
- Viability Protocol SPD_, item 89
PDF 689 KB
Minutes:
(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Dowding)
Cabinet received a report from the Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration for Members to consider the amendments made to the draft Viability Protocol Supplementary Planning Document (draft SPD) to address representations made during the consultation and seek authorisation for the Service Manager – Planning and Housing Strategy to proceed with formal adoption.
The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:
Option 1: Adopt the SPD as a material consideration when determining planning applications.
Advantages: The SPD will provide guidance to applicants about the Council’s approach to viability assessments and information required. It will help applicants ensure they provide appropriate information and set a formal agreement for the payment of costs by the applicant. If the guidance is followed it should help minimise delays arising from viability matters.
Disadvantages: No disadvantages.
Risks: The SPD may be subject to a judicial review.
Option 2: Do not adopt the SPD as a material consideration when determining planning applications.
Advantages: No advantages.
Disadvantages: The Council will not have guidance available.
Risks: None.
The officer preferred option is Option 1 – adopt the SPD.
Councillor Dowding proposed, seconded by Councillor Hamilton-Cox:-
“That the recommendation, as set out in the report, be approved.”
Councillors then voted:-
Resolved unanimously:
(1) That Cabinet delegates authority to the Service Manager – Planning and Housing Strategy to proceed with the statutory process to adopt the Supplementary Planning Document.
Officer responsible for effecting the decision:
Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration
Reasons for making the decision:
The decision is consistent with the Corporate Plan which includes ambitions to improve access to quality housing. The Corporate Priorities (updated January 2021) set out the Council’s priorities to reach net zero by 2030; transitioning to low carbon and active transport system; increasing biodiversity and reaching net zero carbon by 2030; supporting new enterprises; securing investment in regeneration; 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, provide the necessary infrastructure contributions and support sustainable development, biodiversity, active travel. The SPD will support the implementation of policies within the Local Plan.