Welcome 

Welcome to the September 2016 Planning Policy newsletter, which keeps you updated about the work of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s Policy Team, planning policy issues and public consultations.

In this issue we cover the current Development Management Plan (DMP) consultation, how to register your interest in building your own home and the newly implemented Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Development Management Plan Regulation 18 consultation

In our last newsletter (February 2016) we told you about our work to develop the Development Management Plan (DMP). Since then we have worked hard to bring the first consultation document together and finalise the background evidence to support the proposals in it.

The first round of consultation started on 1 August and runs until 10 October 2016. This is your opportunity to tell us what you think should be included in the DMP. The Council will use your comments to help develop preferred policy options and finalise which development sites to include in the formal draft DMP, on which we will consult next year.  The DMP preparation timetable  can be viewed here.

The consultation document is broken down into three themes covering a wide range of planning topics.

• Theme 1: ‘Building a prosperous economy’ includes proposed policies for employment development and development in town and local centres.
• Theme 2: ‘Self reliant communities’ includes proposed policies on the design of new development, parking, open space, nature conservation and heritage.
• Theme 3: ‘Place shaping’ includes potential development sites for new housing, retail, employment and community development on which we would like your views, as well as sections on cemeteries and crematorium provision, traveller site provision and new infrastructure and services.

Find out more

As part of the consultation process, we are holding exhibitions and staffed drop-in sessions across the borough. For details of your nearest event please see our website.

To see all the relevant information and documents concerning the DMP please visit www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/dmp. You can inspect a copy of the consultation document and pick up a comments form at local libraries across the borough and the Town Hall, Reigate (where supporting evidence can also be inspected).

 
Have your say

Tell us your views via an online survey, downloadable comments form or our interactive map (where you can upload comments directly), available here. Alternatively send us your comments - see contact us section below for details.  The consultation will close 5pm on 10 October 2016.    

 
Self and custom house build register

The Government recently passed legislation to enable more people to build their own homes. The Council now maintains a register of people interested in acquiring land to carry out a self/custom build project.

Self-build usually means you are directly involved in organising the design and construction of your new home and you physically build your home on your own or with the help of sub-contractors.

Custom build usually means you commission the construction of your home from a builder, contractor or package company.  There can be some overlap between the two definitions.

By keeping this register, we’ll have a better idea of the level of demand for such projects in the borough. This will help the Council develop its planning policies to support self and custom build projects.  To register your interest in self/custom build, click here.

Community Infrastructure Levy update

On April 1, the Council began collecting the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).  This is a charge councils can collect from new development to help fund new and improved infrastructure and services such as transport improvements, school places and health facilities. In Reigate & Banstead this will apply to new residential and convenience retail development (such as supermarkets).

CIL is charged on each additional square metre of floorspace an eligible development creates, so charges will vary per proposal. If you are planning a residential or retail extension or development you can use our CIL calculator (available here) to work out what you’ll pay.

The majority of money collected through CIL will fund large-scale infrastructure projects. See here for a list of infrastructure types and projects which the Council could fund using CIL. Some money will also be available to spend on projects in the local area in which it was collected. Local projects could include improving a community hall, providing new playground equipment or upgrading walking and cycling routes to local shops and schools.

We will soon be asking you for your views on what any local funds should be spent on in your area. If you have an idea for a project that needs funding or want to share your views on which services/facilities should be enhanced in your area, make sure you take part in our consultation in October. Your feedback will help us select which projects should receive funding.

For further information and advice about CIL please see our website or email us.

Contact us

What do you think of our newsletter? What should we cover in the future? Please let us know.

Received this by post? If you would prefer it electronically next time, let us know.

Please feel free to contact the Planning Policy Team via:
Email: LDF@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
Tel: 01737 276178 
Address: Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate RH5 5TD