INITIAL approval has been given by Stirling councillors to new guidance on developer contributions for planning applications.
The revised guidance mainly updates requirements relating to education and health infrastructure – with the changes resulting in an increase in primary school contribution costs but reduction for secondary settings.
Following a review by NHS Forth Valley and the planning authority, revised contribution rates will be sought from developers for health infrastructure. This will include the delivery of a new medical practice in the Bannockburn and Plean catchment area.
Among the other changes is an alteration to the affordable housing financial contribution following an increase in the median house price figure for the Stirling area to £172,671.
A further consultation on the changes will now take place, before a finalised document will be brought back to the committee for final approval, subject to ratification from the Scottish Government.
Councillor Jim Thomson said, “Whether it’s providing funding for affordable housing or infrastructure to meet the education, health, transport or environmental needs of residents, reasonable developer contributions are essential to the sustainable growth of our communities. Having up-to-date guidance on developer contributions ensures the council receives funding that is fair and proportionate and also provides potential developers with certainty on costs.
“The new policy is robust, comprehensive and balanced, and once it has been finalised we will have the opportunity to review down the line.”
