Southbourne Allocation DPD Reg 18 - Viability Assessment

Comment

Representation ID: 6942

Received: 18/12/2024

Respondent: Wates Developments

Agent: Turley

5. Viability Assessment
5.1 The Viability Assessment advises that the Council have provided estimated Section 106
contributions for each capacity option, based on the draft DPD Infrastructure Summary document. It is unclear whether these have also factored in costs in relation to the Community Infrastructure Levy.

5.2 We note the Council’s Local Development Scheme (LDS, July 2024) does not include a
programme for the review of the Council’s currently Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule. It does however advise that:
“Both the CIL Charging Schedule and the Planning Obligations and Affordable Housing SPD will require review and possible amendment in the light of the development proposed in the Local Plan, the contents of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and the Whole Plan Viability Assessment (evidence base documents to support the Local Plan). At the current time the precise timescales for these reviews are uncertain. The LDS will be updated when they have been determined.”
5.3 We support the recognition of the need for a review. To ensure early delivery of the
Southbourne allocation following adoption of the SADPD is achievable, we consider this should be undertaken at an early stage. This should include consideration as to whether strategic sites, such as Southbourne, should be zero CIL rated to reflect the considerable onsite infrastructure they are required to deliver.

5.4 Furthermore, we understand that the costs identified in the Infrastructure Delivery
Plan supporting the Local Plan, have been pro-rated to reach the figures identified for Southbourne. As per our earlier comments, it is considered that a Southbourne specific Infrastructure Delivery Plan should be prepared to ensure the costs identified are accurate.
It will be important that such considerations are factored into the next iteration of the Viability Assessment. We note the Viability Assessment has been assessed on the basis of an 800 dwelling
net requirement and a 1,050 dwelling gross requirement. Given our wider comments, depending on the outcome of the Local Plan Examination, it may be necessary for additional higher quantums of development to be tested. It is noted that the 1,050 dwelling scenarios tested to date present stronger viability prospects than 800 dwellings.

5.7 We support the conclusion of the Viability Assessment that more refined details and
costings will be required in relation to the railway crossings and the wider infrastructure works/s106 requirements/contributions. Whilst not a consideration for the Viability Assessment itself, it will also be necessary for the SADPD to establish how infrastructure is to be funded and secured.

[See attached document for full submission]