CLAYLAND
ARCHITECTS

Advice

We regularly update this page to offer more advice and information to prospective clients and developers. Please check in from time to time to see what we have to offer.

Architects
Working with an Architect	A guide by the RIBA

Building
Green Building Information	The Green Building Forum
Self Build	A Channel 4 site with lots of information

Planning
Community Infrastructure Levy	The community infrastructure levy regulations came into force on the 6th April 2010. They have since been amended further and will be amended again by the localism bill when it becomes law. The CIL is a new way that local authorities can choose to charge on building projects to help pay for the infrastructure require to support new development. It cannot be used to remedy pre-existing deficiencies unless the new development would make them worse. Infrastructure can include flood defence, open space, recreation and sport, roads and transport, education and health facilities, maintenance of new infrastructure – this list is not exhaustive. Currently affordable housing is not funded through CIL though it is under review. The levy will be charged per square meter net additional increase of floor space on most buildings that people normally use and is not just for housing. It will not apply to the vast majority of household extensions or to development to interiors of existing buildings. The rate is based on evidence of the infrastructure needed and therefore different rates can be set based on use and/or areas. Local Authorities will need to show the charging schedule inspector that their proposed rates are balanced. Payments will be index linked. There are various reliefs for charity land owners and 100% relief must be granted on those parts of the development which are intended to be used for social housing. Other relief can be given in exceptional circumstances but there are a number of specific strict conditions that must be met. The responsibility to pay the levy runs with ownership of the land, in line with the principle that those who benefit financially from the planning permission should share some of that gain with the community. Although ultimate responsibility rests with the landowner, anyone can come forward and assume liability – usually it will be the developer.
Permission	Do you need planning or building regulations? As with most things it’s not always a simple yes or no and depends on specifics. Please call us for free initial consultation. This guide may answer some questions.
The Localism Bill	The Localism Bill is a new Act or Parliament that will have a major impact on current planning procedures. The Act will not just pass power from central government but will also (almost) bypass district councils in some respects and for the first time give power to local parishes and other local groups. Local Authorities will have the power to do anything unless central government say they cannot, which is the flip side of the coin from current policy. Pre-determination of opinion on planning applications by individuals will no longer be illegal. Non-domestic rates will give Local authorities more control over how they help local businesses. Community empowerment will give communities the right to challenge an authority as to whether they can run particular services. Communities will have the right to bid for local assets to run them. Local authorities and local opposition groups can ask for referendums on policy. When the Act comes into effect regional strategies for housing need will be abolished and local authorities will be in charge of creating their own agenda through Local development strategies. A six year land supply (20% more than the current) will be needed to be provided by local authorities. Utilities will have a statutory duty to cooperate with the local authority to deliver infrastructure