| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Residents launch LBH Watch | |
| Posted by: | Adam Beamish | |
| Date/Time: | 10/08/10 22:43:00 |
| Nick, You've certainly given this a lot of thought !. I'll come back to you on your post when I've got more time. What I will say about the current planning system and local authorities is that I don't think the public realise the cost involved in a developer making a major planning application. Because of statutory 8 week/13 week targets and ever reducing resources it has become extremely difficult/impossible for a developer to negotiate/make amendments to a scheme during determination. So developers are encouraged to have a formal pre-application meeting with the Council, which incurs a statutory charge (anything from £750 - £5000). When it comes to submission the application has to be accompanied by a plethora of supporting assessments, report and statements, all prepared by a variety of specialist consultants, all of whom charge significant fees. And of course there's the statutory application fee itself, which will comfortably be in 5 figures. Then even if the Council are minded to approve the application, the developer is required to enter into a legal agreement with the Council including numerous financial contributions covering a range of areas, such as education provision, highway improvements, public realm improvements etc - it isn't usual for such contributions to be six figure sums. As the Chairman of Redrow Homes confirmed afew months back, major developers are now spending more on planning related fees than they are on bricks !. |