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Solent SPA mitigation costs go through the roof

This note has been prepared to alert clients to impending changes to financial contributions in relation to new residential development in the vicinity of the Solent Special Protection Areas (SPA).

Background

The Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy (SRMS) was devised to ensure that the requirements of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended) are met with regard to the effects of increased recreational pressure from new residential development within 5.6km of the Solent Special Protection Areas (SPAs)*. The SRMS sets out series of measures to manage visitor behaviour in and around sensitive coastal areas. Implementation of these measures and monitoring of their effectiveness are funded by developer contributions.

Strategy Update

The SRMS has been updated and sets out considerably higher charges than those currently being levied.

This new charge will be applied to new residential development including, general housing sub- division of existing dwellings, second homes, dwellings to be used as holiday accommodation, self-contained student accommodation, and new dwellings created through permitted development (e.g. change of use from office to residential). Some reductions are proposed for certain types of development.

A sliding scale of contributions (index linked) is proposed:

  • £337 for one bedroom dwelling
  • £487 for two bedroom dwelling
  • £637 for three bedroom dwelling
  • £749 for four bedroom dwelling
  • £880 for five bedrooms or more

It is anticipated that all Solent local authorities will have adopted the new Strategy by the end of March 2018.

The updated SRMS also sets out criteria focused towards strategic Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANG) to mitigated impacts of large-scale residential proposals.

For further information please contact Daniel Ramirez.

12 January 2018

*Affecting all (or parts of) the following Local Planning Authorities: Chichester District Council, East Hampshire District Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, Fareham Borough Council, Gosport Borough Council, Havant Borough Council, Isle of Wight Council, New Forest District Council, New Forest National Park Authority, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council, South Downs National Park Authority, Test Valley Borough Council and Winchester City Council.

 

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