Bradford Council Section 106 Agreements: A Guide for Homeowners and Developers
If you’re a homeowner or a developer in Bradford, you may have heard of Section 106 agreements. In essence, these agreements are legal tools that allow the council to impose restrictions on property development in exchange for granting planning permission. In this article, we’ll explain what Section 106 agreements are, how they work, and what they mean for you.
What are Section 106 agreements?
Section 106 agreements are a type of legal agreement between a developer and the local council. Under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the council can use these agreements to require developers to make payments, provide infrastructure, or agree to other conditions in exchange for granting planning permission. The idea behind Section 106 agreements is that they help to offset the impact of new developments on the local area.
Section 106 agreements can cover a wide range of issues. Some common examples include:
– Affordable housing: Developers may be required to include a certain percentage of affordable homes in their development, or to pay a sum of money towards affordable housing elsewhere in the district.
– Transport: Developers may be required to pay for improvements to local roads, provide funding for public transport, or contribute towards the cost of a new cycle path.
– Education: If a new development is likely to put pressure on local schools, developers may be required to pay towards the cost of new school places.
– Open space: Developers may be required to provide new public parks or playgrounds, or to contribute towards the improvement of existing green spaces.
How do Section 106 agreements work?
Most Section 106 agreements are negotiated between the developer and the council. Once a planning application has been submitted, the council will consider whether Section 106 obligations should be imposed. If so, they will open negotiations with the developer.
The council will draw up a draft agreement, which will set out the proposed obligations. The developer can then negotiate with the council to agree on the terms of the agreement. Once a final agreement has been reached, it will be signed by both parties and will become legally binding.
What do Section 106 agreements mean for homeowners and developers?
Section 106 agreements can have significant implications for homeowners and developers. For homeowners, it’s important to be aware of any Section 106 obligations that apply to your property, as they may restrict what you can do with your home. For example, if your home was built as part of a development that had a Section 106 obligation to provide affordable housing, you may be prevented from selling your home at market value.
For developers, Section 106 agreements can add significant costs to a project. The cost of meeting these obligations can run into millions of pounds for large developments. However, it’s worth noting that Section 106 agreements can also be seen as an opportunity for developers. By agreeing to provide community benefits, such as affordable housing or new parks, developers can build positive relationships with local residents and the council.
Conclusion
Section 106 agreements are an important tool for the council to ensure that new developments benefit the local area. Whether you’re a homeowner or a developer, it’s important to be aware of these agreements and how they may impact you. If you’re planning to buy a new home or develop a property in Bradford, it’s worth speaking to a property lawyer or consultant who can advise you on Section 106 obligations and how to navigate them.
