Decision details

In relation to application 6/2020/0013 for 17 dwellings at White Lovington, Bere Regis to agree to vary the tenure of affordable housing from the original proposal presented to Committee on 7 April 2021.

Proposal agreed by Committee anticipated 100% affordable rented (6 houses and a contribution)

Revised proposal is for 4 affordable rented, two affordable intermediate (shared ownership) and an unamended contribution.

Authority is provided by paragraph 151 which reads:

To undertake all action in connection with any proposal / application for the cancellation, revocation, deletion, modification and/or variation to any agreement, deed, undertaking and/or any other document entered into wholly or partly pursuant to any Town and Country Planning Legislation provided that such power does not extend to the approval of an application to modify, vary or revoke an agreement or planning obligation:

(a) imposed by an express decision of Planning Committee; and

(b) where in his/her opinion such approval would result in a material reduction of benefit to the community secured pursuant to such agreement or obligation (as the case may be).

In this case the decision to enter into the planning obligation was imposed by the express decision of the Planning Committee but this decision to vary the details of the obligation would not result in a material reduction of benefit to the community, as the total number of affordable units provided will remain the same (6 houses and a contribution).

The applicant has requested the amendments to the affordable housing mix to ensure that the scheme is viable and deliverable.

The accompanying report sets out the reasons for agreeing the alternative housing mix.

The Council could refuse to vary the obligation but this may threaten the provision of the housing which is intended to contribute to much needed housing provision.

Officers consulted with the Chair and Vice-chair of the Eastern Area Planning Committee (Cllr Toni Coombs and Cllr Shane Bartlett), and the ward members (Cllr Peter Wharf and Cllr Laura Miller) before taking this decision. Cllr Wharf responded to confirm that he and Cllr Miller were content with this decision. No response was received from Cllr Coombs or Cllr Bartlett within 5 working days.

No conflicts of interest were declared by any member consulted.