Laura Sharman 04 August 2015

Councils win affordable housing court battle

Two councils have successfully challenged the government’s reforms to the planning system.

West Berkshire and Reading joined forces earlier this year to block plans allowing new developments under 10 homes to be exempt from Section 106 agreements.

The councils successfully argued the proposals would impact on the ability of authorities to ask developers to provide new affordable housing and infrastructure.

Alan Law, West Berkshire's executive member for planning said: ‘The judgement handed down today confirms that the council were fully justified in challenging this policy change in order to deliver much needed affordable housing and safeguard funding for critical infrastructure such as education.’

Cllr Tony Page, Reading's lead councillor for strategic environment, planning and transport, added the judgment would provide an estimated £650,000 per year for community facilities and services.

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) said it would try to overturn the decision as the new legislation would tackle the costs and red tape that stop smaller developments from going ahead.

The Local Government Association has also warned that councils should be allowed to ask developers of smaller sites for a contribution towards affordable housing.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner