Diverse communities

Diverse communities. Sustainable developments: meeting our obligations

In building places you’ll love to live in for a lifetime, we must create settlements that enhance what’s already there: communities that are well connected and accessible with the right amenities. And to really build diverse, vibrant neighbourhoods that attract a true mix of people, a number of our developments include affordable housing. Developer obligations are at the heart of this process.

How Scotia has Contributed to Your Local Community:

25%

AFFORDABLE PROVISION £££££

15

AFFORDABLE HOMES

COMMUTED SUM FOR AFFORDABLE HOMES

£250,000

PRIMARY & SECONDARY EDUCATION £446,000

RECREATION £30,320

TOTAL £726,320

+ 15 AFFORDABLE HOMES

Q WHAT ARE DEVELOPER

OBLIGATIONS?

A These obligations fall into two categories, and make sure new developments ultimately create balanced and accessible communities.

Firstly, developer contributions help pay for infrastructure and resources like new roads, schools, leisure centres and health services; secondly, developments over a certain size must include a percentage of affordable homes.

Q WHAT CAN COUNCILS SEEK DEVELOPER OBLIGATIONS FOR?

A Councils must consider developer obligations against the ‘five policy tests.’

Not only must they be reasonable and directly related to the development, as well as being in line with the use and development of land set out in the Development

Plan, obligations should be used for infrastructure and facility upgrades, as well as replacements required as a direct result of the development. The obligations must also be proportionate to the scale of the proposed settlement.

Q WHAT’S THE PROCESS?

A When a developer submits a planning application, the local authority considers what needs to be done to mitigate any impact. The council then issues an assessment report to the developer, outlining these obligations.

Obligations must be agreed before work starts.

Q WHAT IS FUNDED

THROUGH DEVELOPER

OBLIGATIONS?

A Each council has its own policies and guidance relating to developer obligations.

Common obligations include: > Affordable housing > Education > Community halls > Sports and recreation facilities > Environmental and access improvements

Q HOW DOES SCOTIA

MEET ITS AFFORDABLE

HOUSING OBLIGATIONS?

A These can be provided in a number of different ways. Scotia works with local authorities and housing associations to provide affordable homes. These are offered at a fixed price below the open market value to buyers meeting certain criteria.

Q HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?

A Visit www.angus.gov.uk

All figures stated are approximate and current at time of going to print.