THE economic climate and reduced scale of development activity in Warrington is affecting the number of commuted payments the borough council can secure, planning bosses have been told.
Revenue obtained through the planning obligations system has been hit – particularly sums secured through Section 106 agreements.
These agreements between a planning authority and a developer or landowner are legally binding and usually involve payments to the council towards the cost of services or infrastructure deemed necessary if a development is to go ahead.
Typically, they involve payments towards the cost of highways improvement, recreation facilities, education, health and affordable housing.
A report to be Warrington’s development management committee indicates that dwindling levels of building in the borough is resulting in developers seeking to renegotiate the terms of agreements for development which have received planning consent but are yet to commence.
In these circumstances, the council can reassess the merits of a planning consent, refuse to vary the terms of the agreement or, where agreements remain unsigned, to reappraise the ability of a specific scheme to meet its obligations
During 2010/11, Section 106 agreements worth £2,703,187.34 were signed.
But payments received were £1,373,688.30 were actually received.
During the period January to March this year, agreements worth £82,634 were signed and payments – mostly dating from earlier – were received of £273,250.
THE economic climate and reduced scale of development activity in
Warrington is affecting the number of commuted payments the borough
council can secure, planning bosses have been told.
Development slow-down hits council
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
2 Comments
Just a pity that these monies are not spent on the area where the development takes place. it seems to go into a central pot for other uses.
It is a sad time indeed. If only the banks hadn’t abused light touch FSA government policies and endeavoured to use due dilligence on their investment, we would have steady normal growth now. Only a central bank money printing excersise has assited avoiding a 1930’s depression, with savers impacted, the rest through inflation giving reduced expenditures and access to credit.