Council
Please Contact: Emma Denny
Please email: emma.denny@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Please Direct Dial on: 01263 516010
15 July 2013
A meeting of the North Norfolk District Council will be held in the Council Chamber at the
Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer on Wednesday 24 July 2013 at 6.00 p.m.
Sheila Oxtoby
Chief Executive
To: All Members of the Council
Members of the Management Team, appropriate Officers, Press and Public.
If you have any special requirements in order
to attend this meeting, please let us know in advance
If you would like any document in large print, audio, Braille, alternative format or in a
different language please contact us
Chief Executive: Sheila Oxtoby
Corporate Directors: Nick Baker and Steve Blatch
Tel 01263 513811 Fax 01263 515042 Minicom 01263 516005
Email districtcouncil@north-norfolk.gov.uk Web site northnorfolk.org
AGENDA
1.
PRAYER
Led by Revd Canon Dr David Court, Vicar, Cromer Parish Church with St Martins..
2.
LABC AWARD PRESENTATION TO NORTH WALSHAM HIGH SCHOOL
3.
PRESENTATION ON RESTORATIVE APPROACHES
A presentation on the use of restorative approaches across the County by Kirsten
Cooper, Restorative Approaches Development Manager, Norfolk County Council.
4.
CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS
To receive the Chairman’s communications, if any.
5.
TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS FROM MEMBERS
Members are asked at this stage to declare any interests that they may have in any
of the following items on the agenda. The Code of Conduct for Members requires
that declarations include the nature of the interest and whether it is a disclosable
pecuniary interest.
6.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
To receive apologies for absence, if any.
7.
(attached – page 1)
MINUTES
To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 22 May 2013.
8.
ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
To determine any other items of business which the Chairman decides should be
considered as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B (4)(b) of the Local
Government Act 1972.
9.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS
To consider any questions received from members of the public.
10.
APPOINTMENTS
a) To appoint Mr G Williams to the Member Training Development and Support
Group
b) To remove Ms V Gay and Miss B Palmer from Citizens Advice North Norfolk
and appoint them to the Stakeholder Forum to be established by CAB
11.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CABINET 10 JUNE 2013
a) MINUTE 17: 2012/2013 OUTTURN REPORT
(Cabinet Agenda 10 June – p.13)
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:
a) The final accounts position for the general fund revenue account for 2012/13;
b) The transfers to and from reserves as detailed within the report (and appendix C)
along with the corresponding updates to the 2013/14 budget;
c) The transfer of the surplus of £185,662 to the Restructuring and Invest to Save
Reserve;
d) The financing of the 2012/13 capital programme as detailed within the report and
at Appendix D;
e) The balance on the general reserve of £1,745,452 at 31 March 2013;
f) The updated capital programme for 2013/14 to 2014/15 and the associated
financing of the schemes as outlined within the report and detailed at Appendix E.
RECOMMENDATION FROM OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee endorsed the recommendation from Cabinet
at their meeting on 19 June 2013.
b) MINUTE 18: TREASURY MANAGEMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13
(Cabinet Agenda 10 June – p.63)
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:
That the Treasury Management Annual Report and Prudential Indicators for 2012/13
be approved.
RECOMMENDATION FROM OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee endorsed the Cabinet recommendation at
their meeting on 19 June 2013.
c) MINUTE 19: DEBT RECOVERY 2012-13
(Cabinet Agenda 10 June – p.74)
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:
To approve the annual report giving details of the Council’s write-offs in accordance
with the Council’s Debt Write-Off Policy and performance in relation to revenues
collection.
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee endorsed the Cabinet recommendation at
their meeting on 19 June 2013.
12.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CABINET 15 JULY 2013
(Cabinet Agenda 15 July – p.12)
a) ITEM 9: MATERIAL RECYCLING FACILITY
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:
To inform Council of the following resolutions:
a) to award to Norse Commercial Services Ltd (“Norse”) a ten year contract for the
recycling of dry recyclable material (being the enhanced contract with glass) pursuant
to the procurement process carried out, on the basis that such contract be entered
into between the District Councils of the Norfolk Waste Partnership and the JVC (as
defined below);
b) to approve the entry into a joint venture shareholders’ agreement between the
District Councils and Norse on the basis of the Memorandum of Understanding
attached at Appendix 1 for the purposes of establishing a JVC to be the contractor
under the recycling contract; and
c) to approve the entry into such ancillary documents and the taking of any further
actions as shall be necessary or appropriate pursuant to the establishment of the
JVC and the award of the recycling contract to the JVC.
d) to grant delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer in consultation with the
relevant Portfolio Holder to conclude those agreements and ancillary documents on
behalf of the Council, including any minor changes to approve the final terms of the
Memorandum of Understanding and Contract with Norse and to conclude such
arrangements between the start date of the new contract and the commissioning date
of the new equipment to be installed as are appropriate to enable the extended range
of materials to be efficiently and cost effectively recycled.
b) ITEM 10: COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY
(Cabinet Agenda 15 July – p. 31)
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:
That consideration of the introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is
suspended
c) ITEM 11: HOUSING INCENTIVES
(Cabinet Agenda 15 July – p.38)
Part 4 of the report (as referenced in the recommendations) is attached at p. 9
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
1. That the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework, slow housing
delivery rates, and the CIL housing viability evidence are sufficiently material to
justify the revised affordable housing site size thresholds and percentage
requirements outlined in part 4 of this report in the determination of individual
residential planning applications.
2. That the incentive scheme set out in part 4 is approved
3. That the measures outlined in the report are widely advertised within communities
and the development industry.
13.
ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY
COMMITTEE 17 JULY 2013
To receive any recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee 17 July
2013. Please note a summary of the recommendations will be provided at the
meeting.
14.
TO RECEIVE THE APPROVED MINUTES OF THE UNDERMENTIONED
COMMITTEES
Members are requested to note that the minutes of the undermentioned committees
have been approved. Copies of all the minutes are available on the Council’s website
or from Democratic Services.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Audit Committee – 19 March 2013
Cabinet – 04 March 2013
Cabinet – 15 April 2013
Cabinet – 13 May 2013
Development Committee – 21 March 2013
Development Committee – 11 April 2013
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
m)
n)
15.
Development Committee – 09 May 2013
Development Committee - 30 May 2013
Development Committee – 06 June 2013
Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 20 March 2013
Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 23 May 2013
Standards Committee – 16 April 2013
Standards Committee Hearing – 14 May 2013
Standards Committee Hearing – 04 June 2013
REPORTS FROM THE CABINET OR MEMBERS OF THE CABINET
To receive reports from the Cabinet or Members of the Cabinet.
16.
QUESTIONS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS
The following question has been received from Mr M Baker:
The traveller's sites at Fakenham and Cromer have now been operating for a few
years, and should now be known within the travelling community. Can you please
supply the following information for the financial year 2012/3 for each site.
 The overall gross costs of running each site, to include all attributable council
overhead costs.
 The number of pitch days used.
 The income received from those pitch rentals.
 Any third party subsidy e.g. government grants etc.
 Any costs relating to equipment loss.
17.
OPPOSITION BUSINESS
To receive any opposition business.
18.
NOTICE(S) OF MOTION
Representation on Outside Bodies
Proposed by Mr E Seward and seconded by Mr P Terrington
This Council notes that at its Annual Meeting on May 22nd this year it approved
councillor nominations to 35 outside bodies comprising 57 places. Of the 57 places
49 were filled by Conservative members (86%) and 8 (14%) by Liberal Democrat
members. The 48 members of the Council comprise 28 (58%) Conservatives 17
(36%) Liberal Democrats and 3(6%)Other Affiliations/Independents.
This Council believes that representation to outside bodies should be more
representative of the political composition of the Council. It therefore asks for the
Constitution Working Party to report back to the Council within the current calender
year on arrangements for bringing this about.
19.
EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
To pass the following resolution – if necessary:
“That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public
be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds
that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in
paragraph(s) _ of Part 1 of Schedule 12A (as amended) to the Act.”
20.
PRIVATE BUSINESS
Circulation:
All Members of the Council.
Members of the Management Team and other appropriate Officers.
Press and Public
COUNCIL
Minutes of a meeting of North Norfolk District Council held on 22 May 2013 at the Council
Offices, Holt Road, Cromer at 6.00 pm.
Members Present:
Mrs S A Arnold
Mrs L Brettle
Mr B Cabbell Manners
Mrs A ClaussenReynolds
Mr N D Dixon
Mrs A M Fitch-Tillett
Mr T FitzPatrick
Ms V Gay
Mrs A Green
Mrs P Grove-Jones
Mr T Ivory
Mr B Jarvis
Mr J H A Lee
Mr N Lloyd
Mrs B McGoun
Mrs A Moore
Mr P W Moore
Mr W J Northam
Mr R Oliver
Miss B Palmer
Mr R Reynolds
Mr E Seward
Mr R Shepherd
Mr B Smith
Mr N Smith
Mr R Smith
Mr R Stevens
Mrs A Sweeney
Mr P Terrington
Mrs V Uprichard
Mr S Ward
Mr G Williams
Mr P Williams
Mr J A Wyatt
Officers in
Attendance:
The Corporate Director (SB), the Monitoring Officer and the Democratic
Services Team Leader (ED)
Also in
Attendance:
The Press
1.
PRAYERS
The Chairman introduced the Reverend Paul Neale, Assistant Minister, Cromer Parish Church
with St Martins, who led the meeting in prayer.
2.
OUTGOING CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS
Mr P W Moore said that although he had not had a full year as Chairman, he had enjoyed it
very much and it was a shame that Mr J Perry-Warnes had been unable to see his year
through due to ill health. He said that his civic reception and the recent civic service had been
well attended and enjoyed by everyone.
3.
ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
It was proposed by Mr T FitzPatrick and seconded by Mr T Ivory that Mrs L Brettle be elected
Chairman. There being no other nominations, it was unanimously
RESOLVED that
Mrs L Brettle be elected Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year.
Mr Moore then vacated the Chair in favour of Mrs Brettle.
4.
INCOMING CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS
The incoming Chairman said that it was an honour and a pleasure to take on the role of
Chairman. She had recently attended an event at the John Innes Centre as Vice-Chairman
and had received a warm welcome. She thanked Mr Moore for stepping in as Chairman when
Full Council
1
22 May 2013
Mr Perry-Warnes became ill. She commented on the success of the two recent civic events
and said how much members had enjoyed them.
Mrs Brettle commended all members who had been involved in the recent County Council
elections and congratulated those that had been elected. Mrs H Cox’s election as Chairman of
the County Council was a reflection of the high regard that she was held in.
The incoming Chairman thanked Mr P W Moore again for all his hard work and presented him
with the Chairman’s Jewel and a gift.
5.
APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIRMAN
It was proposed by Mr W J Northam and seconded by Mr G Williams that Mr B Smith be
appointed Vice Chairman of the Council. There being no other nominations, it was
RESOLVED that
Mr B Smith be appointed Vice Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year.
Mr Smith thanked members for their trust and faith in him. He thanked his fellow ward
member, Mr W Northam, for his unfailing support and said that he would accept the role on
behalf of his ward, Mundesley.
6.
TO RECEIVE DECLARATION OF INTERESTS FROM MEMBERS
None
7.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Mr M J M Baker, Mrs H Eales, Mr B Hannah, Mr J
Perry-Warnes, Mr J Punchard, Mr J Savory and Mr D Young.
8.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of Full Council held on 24 April 2013 were approved as a correct
record.
9.
ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
None
10.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS
None
11.
REPORT ON THE CABINET
The Leader, Mr T FitzPatrick said that there would be no changes to the Cabinet or the
Portfolio responsibilities at this time.
He asked that members’ congratulations be conveyed to Mr J Perry-Warnes who had just
celebrated his 80th birthday.
12.
APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES, CHAIRMEN AND VICE CHAIRMEN AND
SUBSTITUTES
Full Council
2
22 May 2013
Ms V Gay requested that Mrs V Uprichard be appointed as a substitute to the Overview and
Scrutiny Committee.
It was proposed by Mr P W Moore, seconded by Mr T Ivory and
RESOLVED
To appoint Committees, Chairmen and Vice Chairmen and Substitutes, as detailed below, for
the ensuing year.
COMMITTEE
Scrutiny
Committee
No OF
SEATS
12
CONSERVATIVE
Mrs A ClaussenReynolds
Mrs A Green
Mr B Jarvis
Mr J H Perry-Warnes
Mr R Reynolds
Mr R Shepherd
Mr N Smith
Mrs S A Arnold (C)
Mrs L Brettle
Mrs A Green
Miss B Palmer
Mr J H Perry-Warnes
Mr R Reynolds (VC)
Mr R Shepherd
Mr B Smith
Mr N D Dixon (C)
Mr B Jarvis
Mr R Oliver
Mr S Ward
LIBERAL
DEMOCRAT
Ms V R Gay
Mrs B McGoun
Mr P Moore
Mr E Seward (C)
INDEPENDENTS
Mrs P GroveJones
Mr P High
Mrs A Sweeney
Mrs V Uprichard
Mr J A Wyatt
Mr M J M Baker
Development
Committee
14
Audit Committee
6
Licensing &
Appeals
Committee
15
Mrs A ClaussenReynolds
Mrs H Cox (VC)
Mrs A Green
Mr B Jarvis
Miss B Palmer
Mr R C Price (C)
Mr R Reynolds
Mr R Shepherd
Mr B Smith
Mrs P GroveJones
Mr B J Hannah
Mr P W High
Mrs A Sweeney
Mrs L Walker
Mr J A Wyatt
Standards
Committee
7
Mrs H Cox (C)
Miss B Palmer
Mr J D Savory
Mr R Stevens
Mrs H Thompson
Mr B J Hannah
Mr P W Moore
(VC)
Mr P Williams
Mrs S Arnold
Mr T FitzPatrick (C)
Mr N Smith
Mr P W High
Mrs B McGoun
Joint Staff
Consultative
Committee
Full Council
3
Mr P Terrington
Mrs A Moore
Mr D Young
Mr G Allen
Mr R Barr
Mr A Bullen
Mr M Coates
Mrs M Evans
Mr H Gupta
Mr A Nash
Mrs A Shirley
22 May 2013
JOINT
COMMITTEES &
PARTNERSHIPS
Partnership
Committee –
Revenues and
Benefits Shared
Services
Norfolk Joint
Museums
Committee
Norfolk Parking
Partnership Joint
Committee
PATROL
Adjudication &
Bus Lane
Adjudication
Joint Committee
Police and Crime
Panel
County
Community
Safety
Partnership
Scrutiny Panel
CONSERVATIVES
LIBERAL
DEMOCRATS
SUBSTITUTES
Mr T FitzPatrick
Mr W J Northam
Mr E Seward
Miss B Palmer
Mrs A Moore
Mrs L Brettle
Mr R Reynolds
Mr R Oliver
Mr R Oliver
Mr R Shepherd
Mr R Reynolds
Mr R Reynolds
Mr S Ward
CHAIRMEN, VICE – CHAIRMEN AND SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS OFCOMMITTEES
COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN
VICE-CHAIRMAN
Scrutiny Committee
Mr E Seward
Mr N Smith
Development
Committee
Mrs S A Arnold
Mr R Reynolds
Audit Committee
Mr N D Dixon
Full Council
SUBSTITUTE(S)
Mr M J M Baker
Mr N Lloyd
Mrs B A McGoun
Miss B Palmer
Mr R Price
Mrs V Uprichard
Mr S Ward
Mr G Williams
Mr A Yiasimi
Mr D Young
Mrs B McGoun
Mr E Seward
Mrs L Walker
Mr N Smith
Mr S Ward
Mr N Dixon
Mrs A ClaussenReynolds
Mr R Stevens
Mr P Terrington
Mr P Williams
Ms V R Gay
Mr R Reynolds
4
22 May 2013
13.
Licensing & Appeals Mr R C Price
Committee
Mrs H Cox
Standards
Committee
Mrs H Cox
Mr P W Moore
Joint Staff
Consultative
Committee
Mr T FitzPatrick
Mr P Godwin
(staff)
Mr P W High
Mrs B A McGoun
Mr J A Wyatt
Mr R Shepherd
Mr N Smith
Mr S Ward
Mrs P Grove-Jones
Mr R Oliver
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS ON WORKING PARTIES, FORUMS, AREA AND
ADVISORY COMMITTEES
The Chairman reminded members that a revised list had been issued which included the
setting up of a politically balanced working party to advise and be consulted on the selection
process for the Head of Planning post. The working party would fold once the recruitment
process was completed.
It was proposed by Mr T FitzPatrick, seconded by Mr G Jones and
RESOLVED
To appoint Members on Working Parties, Forums, Area and Advisor Committees, as detailed
below, for the ensuing year.
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS ON WORKING PARTIES, FORUMS, AREA AND
ADVISORY COMMITTEES
WORKING PARTY,
FORUM,
AREA/ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
Planning Policy and Built
Heritage Working Party
No
of
seat
s
11
Member Training,
Development & Support
Group
(Non political
Member/Officer Group)
(Not Politically
Balanced)
6
Coastal Issues Forum
(Members with Coastal
Wards or Special
Full Council
CONSERVATIVE
LIBERAL
DEMOCRAT
OTHER
Mrs S Arnold VC
Mr B Cabbell
Manners
Mr N Dixon
Mrs A Green
Mr T Ivory
Miss B Palmer
Mr J Lee
Mr R Oliver
Mr B Smith
Mrs P GroveJones
Mr P W High
Mr P Williams
Mr D Young
Mr M Baker
Mrs V Uprichard
Mr P W High
Vacancy
Mrs L Brettle
Mr B Cabbell
Manners
Mr D Young
Mr B Hannah
Mr R Smith
Mr P Terrington
5
22 May 2013
Responsibility for
Coastal Issues) (Not
Politically Balanced)
Constitution Working
Party
(politically balanced)
5
Council Tax Support
Working Party
(politically balanced)
5
CCTV Working Party
7
Big Society Fund Grants
Panel
(politically balanced)
7
Recruitment Selection
Working Party
(politically balanced)
5
Mrs H Cox
Mrs A Fitch-Tillett
Mr J Lee
Mr R Price
Mr B Smith
Mr W Northam
Mr R Oliver
Mr J Savory
Mr R Shepherd
Mrs H Cox
Mrs A M FitchTillett
Vacancy
Mrs A ClaussenReynolds
Mr W Northam
(C)
Mr R Oliver
Mrs L Brettle
Mrs A ClaussenReynolds (C)
Mr R Shepherd
Mr R Stevens
Mr T Ivory
Mr B Jarvis
Mr R Reynolds
Mr S Ward
Mrs L Walker
Mr P Williams
Mr J Lee (sub)
Mrs V Uprichard
(sub)
Ms V Gay
Mr P W Moore
Mrs S Arnold
Mr B Cabbell
Manners
Mr T FitzPatrick
Ms V R Gay
Mrs A M Moore
Ms V R Gay
Mr D Young
Mr B Hannah
Mr P W Moore
Mr M Baker
Mrs P GroveJones
Mr P High
Mr J Wyatt
Mr P High (sub)
CHAIRMEN AND VICE – CHAIRMEN (WHERE APPROPRIATE)
WORKING PARTY, FORUM,
AREA/ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
Planning Policy and Built
Heritage Working Party
Member Training,
Development & Support
Group
(Non political Member/Officer
Group) (Not Politically
Balanced)
CHAIRMAN
VICE - CHAIRMAN
To be confirmed at the next
meeting of the working party
Mr J Lee
Mr S Arnold
Constitution Working Party
Mrs H Cox
CCTV Working Party
Council Tax Support Working
Party
Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds
Mr W J Northam
Full Council
6
22 May 2013
Big Society Grants Fund
Panel
14.
To be confirmed at the first
meeting of the panel
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO OUTSIDE BODIES
The Chairman advised members that a revised list had been issued.
Mr P Terrington expressed his dismay that he was no longer the representative on four
outside bodies. He said that the lack of consultation regarding the change of representative
was discourteous and sought an explanation. Mrs A Fitch-Tillet replied that she wanted a
substitute that would complement her views on coastal issues, particularly coastal erosion.
She said that Mr R Shepherd had been proposed as he had relevant marine-related
experience. Mr Terrington responded that it had been badly handled with no consultation or
discussion.
Mr G Jones asked for further clarification regarding Mr B Smith’s comments about the Bacton
Gas Terminal Environmental Liaison Committee. Mr Smith explained that he felt that he
personally did not make a valuable contribution to the meetings and that he had a ‘watching
brief’. Mr Jones suggested that the comments were amended to reflect this.
It was proposed by Mr T FitzPatrick, seconded by Mr R Price and
RESOLVED
That the Council appoints Members to the schedule of approved Outside Bodies for the
2013/14 civic year as detailed in Minutes Appendix A.
Mrs A Green, Mr G Jones and Mr P Terrington voted against the proposals. Mr P W Moore
and Mrs A Sweeney abstained.
15.
TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE UNDERMENTIONED COMMITTEES
RESOLVED
to receive the approved minutes of the undermentioned committees:
a)
b)
c)
d)
16.
Cabinet – 4 March 2013
Development Committee – 21 March 2013
Development Committee – 11 April 2013
Cabinet – 15 April 2013
REPORTS FROM THE CABINET OR MEMBERS OF THE CABINET
Mr J Lee informed members that all three beaches awarded blue flag status in Norfolk were
within the North Norfolk district – at Cromer, Sheringham and Sea Palling. He congratulated
Kier on maintaining the high standards of cleanliness and the volunteers who worked so hard
to keep them free of litter.
17.
QUESTIONS RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS
None received.
18.
OPPOSITION BUSINESS
None received.
Full Council
7
22 May 2013
19.
NOTICE(S) OF MOTION
None received.
The meeting concluded at 6.30 pm.
__________________________
Chairman
Full Council
8
22 May 2013
Housing Incentives
4.
Proposed Temporary Measures
4.1
Two types of measures are proposed, a temporary relaxation of affordable housing
requirements on small schemes in villages and the countryside (measure 1)
designed to encourage the submission of planning applications, and, a set of
incentives to encourage quicker development of housing proposals (measures 2,3
and 4).These would be available on all residential development proposals submitted
prior to the 1st of Sept 2014 (subject to annual review) where the applicant is
prepared to accept a one year implementation condition on the applicable planning
permission and in relation to the incentive proposals, commit to continuous delivery
of development once a start has been made. These measures would include:
1. Raising the site size threshold above which affordable housing contributions are
required in villages from the current two dwellings and above, to ten and above
(Core Strategy policy H02).
2. Reducing the headline affordable housing target from 45% to lower figure(s) in
parts of the district based on current development viability evidence. The revised
targets are derived from the district wide viability assessment undertaken in
association with the possible introduction of the CIL rather than site specific
viability assessment as is currently the case. To avoid excessive complexity two
target percentages are suggested. Even within these broad zones (Appendix B)
there will be substantial variation in specific site viability and it would remain the
case that proposals for schemes delivering lower than the revised targets would
need to be justified by open book viability assessment.
Suggested revised Affordable Housing Targets.
Wells and coastal west (area north of A148 and west of
Sheringham
All other areas
45% (no
change)
20%
3. Relaxation of Level 3 Sustainable Homes construction standards if specified
quantities of development are delivered quickly.
4. Removal of on-site energy generation requirements if specified quantities of
development are delivered quickly.
The following table outlines these potential measures together with a short justification.
Ref
1
Measure
Raising the site
size threshold
above which
affordable housing
obligations would
apply in
villages/countryside
to schemes of ten
and above.
Discussion/Justification
Core Strategy Policy H02 currently requires that in villages
proposals for two or more dwellings (new build and conversions)
50% of the units are affordable, or in some circumstances an
equivalent financial contribution is made. For each house built the
applicant is expected to provide an affordable dwelling or a
financial contribution in-lieu of on-site provision.
In towns the required standard is currently 45% affordable housing
on schemes of ten or more units or sites over 0.33 hectares.
Despite this policy being adopted in 2008 there are only a handful
of examples where it has contributed towards affordable housing
(offers to pay a financial contribution but no actual units provided)
and there is some evidence, albeit anecdotal, that the requirement
has served to discourage the submission of planning applications.
Agenda Item 12 - Council 24 July 2013
9
Housing Incentives
If adopted this measure would allow smaller sites of up to nine
dwellings in all policy compliant locations across the district to be
built/converted without the need to contribute to affordable
housing.
2
Lower the
proportion of
affordable housing
required on large
qualifying sites in
towns.
Policy requires that 45% of dwellings built on sites of over ten units
are affordable unless it is not viable to provide. Many of the larger
allocations have, or are currently the subject of, planning
applications which include affordable housing. Each site is subject
to individual viability testing to establish what represents a viable
proportion of affordable housing. Agreed proportions of affordable
housing on recently approved large schemes are:
Railway Triangle, Cromer – 32% currently under construction
Roughton Road, Cromer – 23% offered pending viability appraisal.
H01 Holt – 45% Outline permission only with final proportion of
affordable units subject to viability testing.
HOV1 Hoveton – 45% currently under construction
ST01 Stalham – 45% agreed but development yet to commence
W01 Wells- 45% agreed but development yet to commence
Blakeney -50% currently under construction
Northrepps - 50% Outline application only.
The evidence would appear to suggest that the current approach
has been successful in securing high proportions of affordable
housing within planning permissions. As yet, however, few of these
schemes are under construction. The work undertaken on
development viability associated with CIL concludes that there are
parts of the District where finished development values are
sufficiently high to deliver viable schemes with 45% affordable
housing (eg. Wells and Blakeney). This is a comparatively high
value part of the district including large areas of AONB where high
house prices mean that affordable requirements are high and the
evidence suggests that many housing schemes can deliver a high
proportion of affordable housing and other obligations whilst
remaining viable. Elsewhere, whilst each individual site will be
different and some could deliver affordable percentages of 30%,
others will remain unviable at this figure. A lower overall target in
these parts of the district of 20% would improve scheme viability
further and act as a significant incentive to undertake
development.
3
Relaxation of Level
3 Sustainable
Homes
construction
standards if
specified quantities
of development are
delivered quickly.
The Code for Sustainable Homes incorporates six levels of
sustainable construction standards, each level being progressively
more difficult, and more expensive, to achieve. Adopted Policy
EN6 requires Code Level 3 and this is being achieved on many
schemes. Government guidance published in 2010 suggested this
has added approximately £3,000 of cost to a typical semi-detached
property. Most RSLs require Code 3(or similar) as part of their
scheme standards.
Policy EN6 requires that the standard is increased to Code Level 4
during 2013. Estimated cost of level 4 compliance in 2010 was
slightly over £8,000 per semi-detached dwelling.
Agenda Item 12 - Council 24 July 2013
10
Housing Incentives
4
Removal of on-site
energy generation
requirements if
specified quantities
of development are
delivered quickly.
Removal of code and renewable energy (see below) policy
requirements can significantly improve scheme viability.
Core Strategy Policy EN6 requires that all residential schemes of
more than 10 dwellings include renewable energy technology
sufficient to provide between 10% and 20% of predicted energy
needs. This requirement is proposed to increase to 20-30% during
2013. Currently this is being achieved via the use of solar water
heating systems, solar panels and ground or air source heat
exchangers. Costs can be in the region of £5,000 per plot.
Agenda Item 12 - Council 24 July 2013
11