Section 106 (S106)

These are known as planning obligations and are linked to the planning permissions. 

These agreements are drafted when the council considers the development to have a significant impact on an area which can’t be moderated by conditions attached to the planning decision made by the Planning Officer. 

As an example, a new residential development can place more pressure on the infrastructure of the area and this planning obligation will aim to balance this pressure by ensuring that the infrastructure is improved.

The most common obligations are: 

• Public Open Spaces;
• Affordable Housing;
• Education;
• Highways;
• Town Centre Improvements;
• Health Care.

The content of this agreement is agreed during a consultation period of the planning application with all of the relevant parties and the planning officer. The agreement will be prepared by the Councils solicitors and the developer/applicant will be required to pay the solicitor fees.

Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Areas (SPA)

The Thames Basin Heaths SPA is a vital heathland network, internationally recognized for its bird populations. To address impacts on bird life from recreational use, our council has a planning strategy outlined in the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), adopted on July 29, 2010.

The SPD outlines standards for new residential developments within 5km of the SPA. Approximately 460 homes have been mitigated near Allen's Field Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), allowing mitigation within 2km. Financial contributions are sought, and the SPD, along with associated documents, can be downloaded below.

Key documents:

For more information on the background of the Thames Basin Heaths SPA, Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG) and Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM), please see our Biodiversity and Thames Basin Heath SPA page.