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

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner