planning tariffs were challenged this week by housing developers giving evidence at the meeting of the government’s urban affairs subcommittee inquiry into affordable housing.
A submission from Fairview New Homes said that, where no requirement for on-site affordable housing is proved, it would be unreasonable for authorities to require financial contributions towards affordable housing elsewhere. The tariff idea, introduced in last year’s planning green paper, aims to replace section 106 agreements between planning authorities and developers on how much affordable housing is to be built along with all new developments.

But both developers and social housing experts argue the tariffs are a worse option because money raised will not be ringfenced for affordable housing.

While acknowledging the need for greater clarity in the planning process, Martin Jewell, Fairview group planning executive, argued this could be better achieved by standardising section 106 agreements. Senior civil servant Genie Turton has said tariffs could be dropped if the idea does not meet with approval (Housing Today, 20 June, page 7).

Source

Housing Today