Developer contributions guidance note

Increasing the number of houses in an area will place increased demand on the essential services and infrastructure of the local area. Developers are asked to provide a contribution towards improving the infrastructure in order to accommodate these new residents, thereby making the development acceptable in planning terms. The Council has produced the Developer contributions technical guidance note to assist applicants in addressing the infrastructure requirements of the Local Plan (Part One), Local Plan (Part Two) and national planning policy. It is intended to support the planning process by providing a link between the relevant legislation, national policies and local policy documents related to the developer contributions for infrastructure that the Council will seek from proposed residential development.

‘Infrastructure’ is defined within Section 216 of the Planning Act 2008, as follows:

  • Roads and other transport facilities
  • Schools and other educational facilities
  • Flood defences
  • Medical facilities
  • Open spaces
  • Sports and recreational facilities
  • Affordable housing

This technical guidance note will be updated regularly to take into account changes to national legislation and policy regarding developer contributions, as well as changes to the Council’s approach to developer contributions.