Advised by Haslams, the University of Reading’s successful planning appeal for development of up to 126 homes on its land at Shinfield, Reading was 2013’s second most downloaded case according to Planning Resource.
Planning gain and development viability were at issue, involving the University of Reading’s plans for up to 126 homes on its land known as The Manor, Shinfield, Reading (DCS Number 100-080-196). The Inspector found that many of the financial contributions sought by the council were unnecessary and the scheme would only become viable with 2% affordable housing (2 dwellings), against the council’s request for 40% (50 dwellings).
Partner Chris Newman said: “this was an important case, not only for the University of Reading, but for landowners and developers throughout the UK. The Inspector fully accepted our case that unless the University as landowner was sufficiently incentivised to sell the site, and the developer would receive sufficient profit from building the proposed scheme, the development would simply not be delivered. Prior to this case, many local Councils would demand Section 106 financial contributions and affordable housing provision without any consideration as to whether they were necessary for the development or whether they affected development viability. This case has led the way for other UK landowners and developers to challenge planning gain packages which have been sought by Councils at unrealistically high levels.”
Since The Manor planning appeal decision, Haslams has successfully negotiated reduced Section 106 costs and affordable housing provision on behalf of landowners and developers on many other development sites.
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Chris Newman
BSc (Hons) MRICS