Planning Agents’ Forum · 11/10/2019 · •It defines the proximity to the coast where a development needs to take account of potential coastal erosion and coastal change issues

Information Classification: PUBLIC

Planning Agents’ ForumPool Innovation Centre, Trevenson Road, Pool11 October 2019

Louise WoodService Director – Planning & Sustainable Development


Structure of the morning

• Welcome – Louise Wood, Service Director

• Development Management update – Marshall Plummer

• Policy update – Hayley Jewels

• Community Infrastructure Levy – Gemma Arthur

• Improving Quality – Rob Lacey

Coffee break – view marketplace stalls – Area Team approach feedback

• Adaptable Homes – Karen Sawyer

• Affordable Homes – Specialist housing – Nicky Mannell

• Question Time – Louise Wood, Hayley Jewels, Marshall Plummer


Development Management update

Marshall PlummerStrategic DM Manager

October 2019


Development Management process changes implemented in April – how are we doing?

• Change officer behaviour/priorities – Deal with it!

• Improved communication – Talk to people!

• Allocation of work pre-validation and introduction of front-screening

• Site notices

• No reports – simple approvals

• Self sign-off and Peer sign off

• Questionnaire

• Project review



Now Applications – Numbers and performance

Enforcement – Reformation of team

Appeals – Successful defence of decisions

Staffing - Pressures

Committees – Meetings cancelled, low numbers. Sound

Complaints – No significant failures

Social Media – Trying to grow. Care needed

Partnerships – Working well

Multiple validation updates

Retain quality during post approval changes

Reduction in confidential Pre-Apps


The Future More Permitted Development rights – improve standards

Design codes and guidance

Local Fee Setting – Raise quality

The “A” Team – Help hard pressed councils

Delivery – Consumer friendly

Reduce conditions

Town centre reforms

More Unitary Councils?

Appeals Portal

Planning Green Paper

Accredited Agents Scheme – new charge


Planning Policy update

Hayley JewelsHead of Development Management

October 2019


Climate Change DPD Mandated by Cabinet in July 2019

Proposed for submission in February 2021

Fuller scoping stage to cover a wider range of options

Likely to include: Large scale renewables Energy efficiency standards Coastal change and flooding areas Natural Climate Solutions

Early scoping starting now to determineoptions – no closed doors

Formal engagement in March 2020


Long term vision for Cornwall: 50_50 Strategy

• The 50_50 Strategy was launched earlier this year, the aim of the project is to develop a long term strategy for Cornwall that identifies priority issues and potential responses to these. It has been included in the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan and aims to begin the process towards achieving carbon neutrality with a clear and simple spatial narrative.

• The initial engagement sessions are identifying key themes such as better public transport, more renewable energy, reduce energy usage, enhance our environment, more opportunity etc

• We aim to produce a draft Strategy in 2020

• Work continues on the Cornwall 50_50 Strategy by way of a number of engagement sessions exploring a longer term vision and Strategy for Cornwall, in the context of carbon neutrality


Biodiversity Guide and Net Gain approach

Environment Bill seeks to mandate Biodiversity Net Gain in England

Existing biodiversity guide adopted 16 October 2018 – a material planning consideration

Document is being updated to include ‘net gain’ approach and will be amalgamated into design quality SPD

Mechanism being explored to implement a first phase of net gain requirement for major developments. Initially this will require submission of net gain calculations for such sites

Workshop this afternoon to provide further detail


Coastal Change Chief Officer Planning Advice Note • The document seeks to ensure that development in

areas subject to coastal change will be sustainable and safe.

• It sets out Cornwall Council’s position regarding development proposals close to the shoreline.

• It defines the proximity to the coast where a development needs to take account of potential coastal erosion and coastal change issues.

• It provides guidance on ‘Coastal Vulnerability Assessments’ that may be required to accompany planning applications.

• Public consultation carried out in June/July this year.

• Responses are being considered and the document is being amended before its adoption later this year.

www.cornwall.gov.uk/coastalchange


To replace the 2000 Tipping and Restoration Strategy (and inform 2014 ROMP application

Restoration & Tipping study completed following stakeholder workshop

Secondary Aggregates Tip Study being produced by Council Officers in association with Imerys Minerals Limited

Restoration & Tipping SPD to be published for public consultation –winter 2019/2020

St Austell China Clay Restoration and Tipping Strategy


European Sites Mitigation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

• European Habitats Regulations require planning authorities to ensure harm from development to European protected wildlife sites is mitigated.

• This is set out in the Local Plan: Strategic Policies Policy 22: European Protected Sites -mitigation of recreational impacts from development.

• To help developers with this Cornwall Council has worked with Natural England to provide evidence and costed mitigation for the wildlife sites where recreational use is considered to effect sites.


European Sites Mitigation SPD

mitigation will be required within the ZOIs.

• Details of this will be set out in the Supplementary Planning Document.

• The cost of mitigation per dwelling is being finalised.

• Consultation later this Autumn.

• Agreed with Natural England to commence contributions for the mitigation alongside the consultation.

• Mitigation is required for the following European wildlife sites. • Penhale Sands SAC• Fal & Helford Estuary SAC • Plymouth Sound & Tamar Estuaries

complex SAC and SPA• Zones of Impact (ZOI) of about 12.5km

identified around these sites.• An Appropriate Assessment and


Housing Supplementary Planning Document

Overview and Scrutiny committee endorsed the document in March

Published for statutory 4 week consultation in April 2019

Cabinet for adoption winter 2019/20 Aims to facilitate better quality planning applications

for housing development To speed up the determination of applications and any

viability negotiations by providing clear guidance Information on various affordable housing products Design of affordable housing Local need and cluster parish approach Specialist Housing , including extra care housing Promotes a positive approach to self and custom build

housing Increases the off-site contribution to £102,000 per

dwelling - in line with cost of providing the AH unit on site


Neighbourhood Planning in Cornwall

• Closer joint working between DM Area Teams and NDP team

• 122 area designations• 43 NDPs submitted• 35 examinations held and 3 NDPs

currently at examination• 31 made plans

• See the latest position at www.cornwall.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplanning


Developer Contributions https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/developer-contributions/

Includes link to our new story map detailing monies received against individual applications in each parish and community network area..

..and details as to how and on what monies have been spent

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/developer-contributions/


Site Allocations Development Plan Document

• Inspectors concluded that the DPD, with the inclusion of proposed modifications consulted upon in Sept/Oct 2018, to be sound and can be adopted by Cornwall Council.

• In September 2019 Cabinet resolved to recommend to Council that the Inspectors’ recommendations be accepted and the document is adopted.

• Scheduled to go to Full Council in November.


Community Infrastructure Levy

Gemma ArthurInfrastructure Group Leader


Community Infrastructure Levy

To be covered:

Regulatory changes

Form changes

Process recap

Other CIL matters


CIL Regulation changes

• Withdrawn Regulation 123 • CIL and s106 on same item • Annual Infrastructure Funding

Statement• Surcharge rather than loss of relief if no

commencement notice• Surcharge ‘must’ be imposed• Monitoring fee• Single consultation for CIL review • Justification for withdrawing Charging Schedule


CIL Form changes

• Form 0: Additional Information Requirement - now called Form 1• Form 1: Assumption of Liability - now called Form 2• Form 2: Exemption Relief Claim - now split into two different forms:

— New Form 10: Charitable and/or Social Housing Relief Claim— New Form 11: Exceptional Circumstances Relief Form

• New Form 12: Claiming Further Charitable or Social Housing Relief –when details change for development previously granted charitable or social housing relief

• New Form 13: Further Exemption Claim –when details change for development previously granted self-build, annex or extension relief

• New Form 14: Phase Credit Application –balancing CIL liabilities across phases for phased developments consented pre CIL but altered post CIL




Form process recapWith planning application:• Form 1: Additional Information

Pre-Commencement:• Form 2: Assumption of Liability• Form 5: Notice of Chargeable Development (prior approvals

only)• Relief claims:

—Form 7 Part 1: Self Build Exemption Claim—Form 8: Residential Annex Exemption Claim—Form 9: Residential Extension Exemption Claim—Form 10: Charitable and/or Social Housing Relief Claim—Form 11: Exceptional Circumstances Relief Claim

• Form 6: Commencement Notice


Form process recap

Other CIL forms:• Form 3: Withdrawal of Assumption of Liability• Form 4: Transfer of Assumed Liability• Form 12: Claiming Further Charitable or Social Housing

Relief • Form 13: Further Exemption Claim • Form 14: Phase Credit Application


Other CIL matters

• Confusion over measurements• Assumption of Liability• Changes to a pre-CIL permission - full

vs s73 application• Zone 5 zero rate only applied to

residential development• Out of town centre definition• Discretionary charges • Monitor impact of CIL

[email protected]

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi7pouIwIzlAhWLlhQKHQ9TCNoQjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=https://www.pinterest.com/pin/309692911858717969/&psig=AOvVaw1wSDip_7hrXlBOp6Kl-dJd&ust=1570618515737938


Improving Quality -

Design Quality Guide update

Robert LaceyPolicy Group Leader


Planning for Design Quality Guide

Guidance being developed on creating good quality development, including green infrastructure (GI)

Ties in open spaces standards, sustainable urban drainage, accessibility and non-vehicular transport and design guide and a review of highways design guide

Internal stakeholder engagement largely complete

Engagement with developers and agents to commence later this month

Adoption – Winter 2019


Why review the existing situation?

Confusing mix of standards and guidance

Need for clarity

Other standards and guidance being developed

Feedback

Looking at good practice

Integrated threads of: Health and wellbeing Distinctiveness Inclusiveness Environmental Growth


Format Electronic and freely available

Explanatory content and benchmarks

Designed to help provide greater clarity

Better links to standards and resources

Replaces other guidance and processes

Easily updatable and modular

Accompanied by a template Design and Access Statement to allow for quicker checking and greater consistency

Supportive of innovation


Cross-cutting themes Health and wellbeing - the environment that we create and manage

should support achievement of better quality lifestyles through the

places that we live, meet and play.

Inclusivity – A good place should lead to no one being unfairly

disadvantaged. New buildings and places must work for our whole

community.

Resilience –We must ensure that the buildings and places that we

create are ready for the potential impacts of climate change and

reduce our footprint.

Environmental growth – Development should actively increase our

environmental assets, make better use of nature for drainage, food

growing and creating great places to be.


Contents

Priority areas:

Effective design process Locally Distinctive Connected and accessible Healthy, green, inclusive Liveable homes Resilient places

Accompanied by useful templates


National Guidance• Published 2nd October 2019

• Local design guides should be informed by the 10 important characteristics of good places

• Need to be shaped by a clear understanding of the local area’s qualities and opportunities.

• Good local design guides are concise, positive documents which are accessible and use tools such as illustrations and checklists to highlight key design issues and possible solutions.

• To be used alongside other design tools


How does the Cornwall Guide fit?

Effective design process

Locally distinctive

Connected and accessibleHealthy, green

and inclusive

Liveable homes

Resilient


Other guidance

Focused guidance to implement design guide, such as:

• Distinctiveness Guidance

• Biodiversity net gain

• Streets Design Guide

• Open Spaces approach

• Design and Access statements

• Others as required


Sample section

• Is designed to be used by designers, members, officers and communities

• Describes the situation

• Sets a series of prompts to guide the design

• Shows good practice images


Sample section


Programme of Engagement

• Internal engagement during September

• Public consultation from October/ November

• Responses will be considered and the document amended before its adoption later this year.

• Dedicated web page will be promoted


Coffee break

Area Team approach feedback please!

Documents

Planning Agents’ Forum · 11/10/2019 · •It defines the proximity to the coast where a development needs to take account of potential coastal erosion and coastal change issues