Vacant building credit - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 09:02, 30 October 2020

2020-10-30T09:02:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:02, 30 October 2020
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	See R (on the application of West Berkshire District Council and Reading Borough Council) v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for more information.		See R (on the application of West Berkshire District Council and Reading Borough Council) v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for more information.

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+

	* Affordable housing.		* Affordable housing.
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	* Section 106 exemption.		* Section 106 exemption.

−	=== External references ===	+	= External references =

	* Planning Advisory, Service Changes to government policy: November 2014.		* Planning Advisory, Service Changes to government policy: November 2014.
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	* [http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.		* [http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.

−	[[Category:~~Planning_permission~~]] [[Category:~~Policy~~]] [[Category:DCN_Policy]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Case_Law]] [[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Policy]] [[Category:Planning_permission]] [[Category:Policy]]

Designing Buildings at 15:34, 15 February 2018

2018-02-15T15:34:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:34, 15 February 2018
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	The guidance states that, ‘Where the overall floor space increases in a proposed development, the local planning authority calculates the amount of affordable housing contributions required from the development as set out in their local plan which is then deducted from the overall affordable housing contribution calculation.’		The guidance states that, ‘Where the overall floor space increases in a proposed development, the local planning authority calculates the amount of affordable housing contributions required from the development as set out in their local plan which is then deducted from the overall affordable housing contribution calculation.’

−	The planning advisory services suggest that ‘It applies to both the requirement for a financial amount and to the provision of affordable units. There is no formula or approach given to the calculation of the financial credit. It will be up to the authority to develop one for their area.’ Ref ~~[http://www.pas.gov.uk/s106/-/journal_content/56/332612/6783401/ARTICLE~~ Planning Advisory, Service Changes to government policy: November 2014]	+	The planning advisory services suggest that ‘It applies to both the requirement for a financial amount and to the provision of affordable units. There is no formula or approach given to the calculation of the financial credit. It will be up to the authority to develop one for their area.’ Ref Planning Advisory, Service Changes to government policy: November 2014

	In addition, there is no definition for what a vacant or abandoned building is or how long it must have been vacant for.		In addition, there is no definition for what a vacant or abandoned building is or how long it must have been vacant for.
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	=== External references ===		=== External references ===

−	* ~~[http://www.pas.gov.uk/s106/-/journal_content/56/332612/6783401/ARTICLE~~ Planning Advisory, Service Changes to government policy: November 2014].	+	* Planning Advisory, Service Changes to government policy: November 2014.
	* [http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/planning-obligations/planning-obligations-guidance/ Planning practice guidance, Planning obligations].		* [http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/planning-obligations/planning-obligations-guidance/ Planning practice guidance, Planning obligations].
	* [http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.		* [http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.

−	[[Category:Planning_permission]] [[Category:Policy]]	+	[[Category:Planning_permission]] [[Category:Policy]] [[Category:DCN_Policy]]

Designing Buildings at 09:17, 27 February 2017

2017-02-27T09:17:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:17, 27 February 2017
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−
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

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	Housing minister, Brandon Lewis MP said “...the policy removes a stealth tax” that hindered regeneration and encouraged empty properties. He suggested that the changes will help deliver more housing at no cost to the taxpayer and would have no “significant adverse effect” on the government’s affordable housing programme.		Housing minister, Brandon Lewis MP said “...the policy removes a stealth tax” that hindered regeneration and encouraged empty properties. He suggested that the changes will help deliver more housing at no cost to the taxpayer and would have no “significant adverse effect” on the government’s affordable housing programme.

−	However, London boroughs and some of the biggest private property developers have opposed the introduction of the vacant building credit. Westminster City Council has said it will work to try and reverse the “deeply flawed” policy suggesting that it would put the delivery of affordable housing in London at serious risk, deepening the accommodation crisis afflicting the poorest people. Many councils outside London also believe the vacant building credit policy will make it more difficult to build affordable housing.~~<br/>~~	+	However, London boroughs and some of the biggest private property developers have opposed the introduction of the vacant building credit. Westminster City Council has said it will work to try and reverse the “deeply flawed” policy suggesting that it would put the delivery of affordable housing in London at serious risk, deepening the accommodation crisis afflicting the poorest people. Many councils outside London also believe the vacant building credit policy will make it more difficult to build affordable housing.

−	In February 2015, a cross-party group of London politicians called on Lewis to immediately suspend the vacant building credit. Ref [http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.~~<br/>~~	+	In February 2015, a cross-party group of London politicians called on Lewis to immediately suspend the vacant building credit. Ref [http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.

−	On 26 March 2015, guidance was updated to make it harder for developers to exploit the system or to reduce or avoid affordable housing contributions. ~~[http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/revisions/23b/021/ Reg Gov.uk].<br/>~~	+	On 26 March 2015, guidance was updated to make it harder for developers to exploit the system or to reduce or avoid affordable housing contributions.

−	= High Court ruling~~<br/>~~ =	+	= High Court ruling =

	In a landmark case at the High Court in July 2015, Justice Holgate quashed government policy on affordable housing exemption thresholds, as a result of the which, planning guidance on planning obligations was amended to remove paragraphs 012-023. In addition, the vacant building credit policy was quashed.		In a landmark case at the High Court in July 2015, Justice Holgate quashed government policy on affordable housing exemption thresholds, as a result of the which, planning guidance on planning obligations was amended to remove paragraphs 012-023. In addition, the vacant building credit policy was quashed.

−	West Berkshire Council and Reading Borough Council challenged the policies arguing that the consultation process had been unlawful. Justice Holgate accepted that the government had failed to take into account "obviously material" considerations.	+	West Berkshire Council and Reading Borough Council challenged the policies arguing that the consultation process had been unlawful. Justice Holgate accepted that the government had failed to take into account "obviously material" considerations.

	A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said that they would be seeking permission to appeal against the judge’s decision.		A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said that they would be seeking permission to appeal against the judge’s decision.

−	See R (on the application of West Berkshire District Council and Reading Borough Council) v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for more information.~~<br/>~~	+	See R (on the application of West Berkshire District Council and Reading Borough Council) v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for more information.

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
−	*Affordable housing.	+
−	*Affordable rented housing.	+	* Affordable housing.
−	*Brownfield site.	+	* Affordable rented housing.
−	*Community infrastructure levy.	+	* Brownfield site.
−	*Help to buy.	+	* Community infrastructure levy.
−	*Housing associations.	+	* Help to buy.
−	*National Planning Policy Framework.	+	* Housing associations.
−	*Planning obligations.	+	* National Planning Policy Framework.
−	*R (on the application of West Berkshire District Council and Reading Borough Council) v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.	+	* Planning obligations.
−	*Section 106 agreements.	+	* R (on the application of West Berkshire District Council and Reading Borough Council) v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
−	*Section 106 exemption.	+	* Section 106 agreements.
		+	* Section 106 exemption.

	=== External references ===		=== External references ===
−	*[http://www.pas.gov.uk/s106/-/journal_content/56/332612/6783401/ARTICLE Planning Advisory, Service Changes to government policy: November 2014].
−	*[http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/planning-obligations/planning-obligations-guidance/ Planning practice guidance, Planning obligations].
−	*[http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.

−	[[Category:Planning_permission]]	+	* [http://www.pas.gov.uk/s106/-/journal_content/56/332612/6783401/ARTICLE Planning Advisory, Service Changes to government policy: November 2014].
−	[[Category:Policy]]	+	* [http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/planning-obligations/planning-obligations-guidance/ Planning practice guidance, Planning obligations].
		+	* [http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.
		+
		+	[[Category:Planning_permission]] [[Category:Policy]]

Designing Buildings at 08:48, 7 August 2015

2015-08-07T08:48:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:48, 7 August 2015
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	In a landmark case at the High Court in July 2015, Justice Holgate quashed government policy on affordable housing exemption thresholds, as a result of the which, planning guidance on planning obligations was amended to remove paragraphs 012-023. In addition, the vacant building credit policy was quashed.		In a landmark case at the High Court in July 2015, Justice Holgate quashed government policy on affordable housing exemption thresholds, as a result of the which, planning guidance on planning obligations was amended to remove paragraphs 012-023. In addition, the vacant building credit policy was quashed.

−	West Berkshire Council and Reading Borough Council challenged ~~these changes~~ arguing that the consultation process had been unlawful. Justice Holgate accepted that the government had failed to take into account "obviously material" considerations.	+	West Berkshire Council and Reading Borough Council challenged the policies arguing that the consultation process had been unlawful. Justice Holgate accepted that the government had failed to take into account "obviously material" considerations.

	A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said that they would be seeking permission to appeal against the judge’s decision.		A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said that they would be seeking permission to appeal against the judge’s decision.

−	See R (on the application of West Berkshire District Council and Reading Borough Council) v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for more information. <br/>	+	See R (on the application of West Berkshire District Council and Reading Borough Council) v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for more information.<br/>

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

Designing Buildings at 08:44, 7 August 2015

2015-08-07T08:44:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:44, 7 August 2015
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		+
		+	= Introduction =

	The vacant building credit (VBC) came into force through the publication of [http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/planning-obligations/planning-obligations-guidance/ planning guidance] on 28 November 2014.		The vacant building credit (VBC) came into force through the publication of [http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/planning-obligations/planning-obligations-guidance/ planning guidance] on 28 November 2014.
Line 14:		Line 16:
	Housing minister, Brandon Lewis MP said “...the policy removes a stealth tax” that hindered regeneration and encouraged empty properties. He suggested that the changes will help deliver more housing at no cost to the taxpayer and would have no “significant adverse effect” on the government’s affordable housing programme.		Housing minister, Brandon Lewis MP said “...the policy removes a stealth tax” that hindered regeneration and encouraged empty properties. He suggested that the changes will help deliver more housing at no cost to the taxpayer and would have no “significant adverse effect” on the government’s affordable housing programme.

−	However, London boroughs and some of the biggest private property developers have opposed the introduction of the vacant building credit. Westminster City Council has said it will work to try and reverse the “deeply flawed” policy suggesting that it would put the delivery of affordable housing in London at serious risk, deepening the accommodation crisis afflicting the poorest people. Many councils outside London also believe the vacant building credit policy will make it more difficult to build affordable housing.	+	However, London boroughs and some of the biggest private property developers have opposed the introduction of the vacant building credit. Westminster City Council has said it will work to try and reverse the “deeply flawed” policy suggesting that it would put the delivery of affordable housing in London at serious risk, deepening the accommodation crisis afflicting the poorest people. Many councils outside London also believe the vacant building credit policy will make it more difficult to build affordable housing.<br/>

−	In February 2015, a cross-party group of London politicians called on Lewis to immediately suspend the vacant building credit. Ref [http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.	+	In February 2015, a cross-party group of London politicians called on Lewis to immediately suspend the vacant building credit. Ref [http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.<br/>

	On 26 March 2015, guidance was updated to make it harder for developers to exploit the system or to reduce or avoid affordable housing contributions. [http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/revisions/23b/021/ Reg Gov.uk].<br/>		On 26 March 2015, guidance was updated to make it harder for developers to exploit the system or to reduce or avoid affordable housing contributions. [http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/revisions/23b/021/ Reg Gov.uk].<br/>
		+
		+	= High Court ruling<br/> =
		+
		+	In a landmark case at the High Court in July 2015, Justice Holgate quashed government policy on affordable housing exemption thresholds, as a result of the which, planning guidance on planning obligations was amended to remove paragraphs 012-023. In addition, the vacant building credit policy was quashed.
		+
		+	West Berkshire Council and Reading Borough Council challenged these changes arguing that the consultation process had been unlawful. Justice Holgate accepted that the government had failed to take into account "obviously material" considerations.
		+
		+	A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said that they would be seeking permission to appeal against the judge’s decision.
		+
		+	See R (on the application of West Berkshire District Council and Reading Borough Council) v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for more information. <br/>

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =
Line 31:		Line 43:
	*National Planning Policy Framework.		*National Planning Policy Framework.
	*Planning obligations.		*Planning obligations.
		+	*R (on the application of West Berkshire District Council and Reading Borough Council) v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
	*Section 106 agreements.		*Section 106 agreements.
		+	*Section 106 exemption.

	=== External references ===		=== External references ===

Designing Buildings at 10:06, 10 April 2015

2015-04-10T10:06:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:06, 10 April 2015
Line 17:		Line 17:

	In February 2015, a cross-party group of London politicians called on Lewis to immediately suspend the vacant building credit. Ref [http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.		In February 2015, a cross-party group of London politicians called on Lewis to immediately suspend the vacant building credit. Ref [http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.
		+
		+	On 26 March 2015, guidance was updated to make it harder for developers to exploit the system or to reduce or avoid affordable housing contributions. [http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/revisions/23b/021/ Reg Gov.uk].<br/>

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

Designing Buildings at 14:21, 18 February 2015

2015-02-18T14:21:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:21, 18 February 2015
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	The vacant building credit applies to any building that has not been abandoned that is brought back into any lawful use, or is demolished to be replaced by a new building. The developer is offered a financial ‘credit’ equivalent to the existing gross floor space of relevant vacant buildings when the local planning authority calculates affordable housing contributions.		The vacant building credit applies to any building that has not been abandoned that is brought back into any lawful use, or is demolished to be replaced by a new building. The developer is offered a financial ‘credit’ equivalent to the existing gross floor space of relevant vacant buildings when the local planning authority calculates affordable housing contributions.

−	Local authorities set affordable housing targets based on local circumstances. They can then use instruments such as Section 106 agreements (planning obligations) to require ~~the provision of~~ affordable housing from new developments. However, the vacant building credit means that the ~~affordable housing~~ requirement would only apply to any increase in floor area, over and above that of an existing vacant building, not to the total floor area of the development. This is intended to encourage the development of brownfield sites.	+	Local authorities set affordable housing targets based on local circumstances. They can then use instruments such as Section 106 agreements (planning obligations) to require contribution to affordable housing from new developments. However, the vacant building credit means that the requirement would only apply to any increase in floor area, over and above that of an existing vacant building, not to the total floor area of the development. This is intended to encourage the development of brownfield sites.

	The guidance states that, ‘Where the overall floor space increases in a proposed development, the local planning authority calculates the amount of affordable housing contributions required from the development as set out in their local plan which is then deducted from the overall affordable housing contribution calculation.’		The guidance states that, ‘Where the overall floor space increases in a proposed development, the local planning authority calculates the amount of affordable housing contributions required from the development as set out in their local plan which is then deducted from the overall affordable housing contribution calculation.’

Designing Buildings at 14:18, 18 February 2015

2015-02-18T14:18:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:18, 18 February 2015
Line 4:		Line 4:
	The vacant building credit applies to any building that has not been abandoned that is brought back into any lawful use, or is demolished to be replaced by a new building. The developer is offered a financial ‘credit’ equivalent to the existing gross floor space of relevant vacant buildings when the local planning authority calculates affordable housing contributions.		The vacant building credit applies to any building that has not been abandoned that is brought back into any lawful use, or is demolished to be replaced by a new building. The developer is offered a financial ‘credit’ equivalent to the existing gross floor space of relevant vacant buildings when the local planning authority calculates affordable housing contributions.

−	Local authorities set affordable housing targets based on local circumstances. They can then use instruments such as Section 106 agreements (planning obligations) to require the provision of affordable housing from new developments. However, the vacant building credit means that the affordable housing requirement would only apply to any increase in floor area, over and above that of an existing vacant building, not to the total floor area of the development.	+	Local authorities set affordable housing targets based on local circumstances. They can then use instruments such as Section 106 agreements (planning obligations) to require the provision of affordable housing from new developments. However, the vacant building credit means that the affordable housing requirement would only apply to any increase in floor area, over and above that of an existing vacant building, not to the total floor area of the development. This is intended to encourage the development of brownfield sites.

	The guidance states that, ‘Where the overall floor space increases in a proposed development, the local planning authority calculates the amount of affordable housing contributions required from the development as set out in their local plan which is then deducted from the overall affordable housing contribution calculation.’		The guidance states that, ‘Where the overall floor space increases in a proposed development, the local planning authority calculates the amount of affordable housing contributions required from the development as set out in their local plan which is then deducted from the overall affordable housing contribution calculation.’
Line 10:		Line 10:
	The planning advisory services suggest that ‘It applies to both the requirement for a financial amount and to the provision of affordable units. There is no formula or approach given to the calculation of the financial credit. It will be up to the authority to develop one for their area.’ Ref [http://www.pas.gov.uk/s106/-/journal_content/56/332612/6783401/ARTICLE Planning Advisory, Service Changes to government policy: November 2014]		The planning advisory services suggest that ‘It applies to both the requirement for a financial amount and to the provision of affordable units. There is no formula or approach given to the calculation of the financial credit. It will be up to the authority to develop one for their area.’ Ref [http://www.pas.gov.uk/s106/-/journal_content/56/332612/6783401/ARTICLE Planning Advisory, Service Changes to government policy: November 2014]

−	~~There~~ is no definition for what a vacant building is or how long it must have been vacant for.	+	In addition, there is no definition for what a vacant or abandoned building is or how long it must have been vacant for.

	Housing minister, Brandon Lewis MP said “...the policy removes a stealth tax” that hindered regeneration and encouraged empty properties. He suggested that the changes will help deliver more housing at no cost to the taxpayer and would have no “significant adverse effect” on the government’s affordable housing programme.		Housing minister, Brandon Lewis MP said “...the policy removes a stealth tax” that hindered regeneration and encouraged empty properties. He suggested that the changes will help deliver more housing at no cost to the taxpayer and would have no “significant adverse effect” on the government’s affordable housing programme.
Line 23:		Line 23:
	*Affordable housing.		*Affordable housing.
	*Affordable rented housing.		*Affordable rented housing.
		+	*Brownfield site.
	*Community infrastructure levy.		*Community infrastructure levy.
	*Help to buy.		*Help to buy.

Designing Buildings at 14:13, 18 February 2015

2015-02-18T14:13:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:13, 18 February 2015
Line 4:		Line 4:
	The vacant building credit applies to any building that has not been abandoned that is brought back into any lawful use, or is demolished to be replaced by a new building. The developer is offered a financial ‘credit’ equivalent to the existing gross floor space of relevant vacant buildings when the local planning authority calculates affordable housing contributions.		The vacant building credit applies to any building that has not been abandoned that is brought back into any lawful use, or is demolished to be replaced by a new building. The developer is offered a financial ‘credit’ equivalent to the existing gross floor space of relevant vacant buildings when the local planning authority calculates affordable housing contributions.

−	Local authorities set affordable housing targets ~~for new developments~~ based on local circumstances. They can then use instruments such as Section 106 agreements (planning obligations) to ~~help~~ require the provision of affordable housing. However, the vacant building credit means that affordable housing requirement would only apply to any increase in floor area, over and above that of an existing vacant ~~or abandoned~~ building, not to the total floor area of the development.	+	Local authorities set affordable housing targets based on local circumstances. They can then use instruments such as Section 106 agreements (planning obligations) to require the provision of affordable housing from new developments. However, the vacant building credit means that the affordable housing requirement would only apply to any increase in floor area, over and above that of an existing vacant building, not to the total floor area of the development.

	The guidance states that, ‘Where the overall floor space increases in a proposed development, the local planning authority calculates the amount of affordable housing contributions required from the development as set out in their local plan which is then deducted from the overall affordable housing contribution calculation.’		The guidance states that, ‘Where the overall floor space increases in a proposed development, the local planning authority calculates the amount of affordable housing contributions required from the development as set out in their local plan which is then deducted from the overall affordable housing contribution calculation.’
Line 10:		Line 10:
	The planning advisory services suggest that ‘It applies to both the requirement for a financial amount and to the provision of affordable units. There is no formula or approach given to the calculation of the financial credit. It will be up to the authority to develop one for their area.’ Ref [http://www.pas.gov.uk/s106/-/journal_content/56/332612/6783401/ARTICLE Planning Advisory, Service Changes to government policy: November 2014]		The planning advisory services suggest that ‘It applies to both the requirement for a financial amount and to the provision of affordable units. There is no formula or approach given to the calculation of the financial credit. It will be up to the authority to develop one for their area.’ Ref [http://www.pas.gov.uk/s106/-/journal_content/56/332612/6783401/ARTICLE Planning Advisory, Service Changes to government policy: November 2014]

−	There definition for what a vacant ~~or abandoned~~ building is or how long it must have been vacant ~~or abandoned~~ for.	+	There is no definition for what a vacant building is or how long it must have been vacant for.

−	~~The Conservative housing~~ minister, Brandon Lewis MP said ~~“the~~ policy removes a stealth tax” that hindered regeneration and encouraged empty properties. He suggested that the changes will help deliver more housing at no cost to the taxpayer and would have no “significant adverse effect” on the government’s affordable housing programme.	+	Housing minister, Brandon Lewis MP said “...the policy removes a stealth tax” that hindered regeneration and encouraged empty properties. He suggested that the changes will help deliver more housing at no cost to the taxpayer and would have no “significant adverse effect” on the government’s affordable housing programme.

−	London boroughs and some of the biggest private property developers have opposed the introduction of the ~~VBC~~. Westminster City Council has said it will work to try and reverse the “deeply flawed” policy suggesting that it would put the delivery of affordable housing in London at serious risk, deepening the accommodation crisis afflicting the poorest people.	+	However, London boroughs and some of the biggest private property developers have opposed the introduction of the vacant building credit. Westminster City Council has said it will work to try and reverse the “deeply flawed” policy suggesting that it would put the delivery of affordable housing in London at serious risk, deepening the accommodation crisis afflicting the poorest people. Many councils outside London also believe the vacant building credit policy will make it more difficult to build affordable housing.
−		+
−	~~However, many~~ councils outside of London believe the vacant building credit policy will make it more difficult to build affordable housing in cities, where property prices have risen rapidly. Alex Hilton of the pressure group, Generation Rent stated that handing money over to “property developers doesn’t increase the rate of house building, it simply increases the price of land”.	+

	In February 2015, a cross-party group of London politicians called on Lewis to immediately suspend the vacant building credit. Ref [http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.		In February 2015, a cross-party group of London politicians called on Lewis to immediately suspend the vacant building credit. Ref [http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.

Designing Buildings: Created page with " The vacant building credit (VBC) came into force through the publication of [http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/planning-obligations/planning-obligation..."

2015-02-18T14:05:31Z

Created page with " The vacant building credit (VBC) came into force through the publication of [http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/planning-obligations/planning-obligation..."

New page

The vacant building credit (VBC) came into force through the publication of [http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/planning-obligations/planning-obligations-guidance/ planning guidance] on 28 November 2014.

The vacant building credit applies to any building that has not been abandoned that is brought back into any lawful use, or is demolished to be replaced by a new building. The developer is offered a financial ‘credit’ equivalent to the existing gross floor space of relevant vacant buildings when the local planning authority calculates affordable housing contributions.

Local authorities set affordable housing targets for new developments based on local circumstances. They can then use instruments such as Section 106 agreements (planning obligations) to help require the provision of affordable housing. However, the vacant building credit means that affordable housing requirement would only apply to any increase in floor area, over and above that of an existing vacant or abandoned building, not to the total floor area of the development.

The guidance states that, ‘Where the overall floor space increases in a proposed development, the local planning authority calculates the amount of affordable housing contributions required from the development as set out in their local plan which is then deducted from the overall affordable housing contribution calculation.’

The planning advisory services suggest that ‘It applies to both the requirement for a financial amount and to the provision of affordable units. There is no formula or approach given to the calculation of the financial credit. It will be up to the authority to develop one for their area.’ Ref [http://www.pas.gov.uk/s106/-/journal_content/56/332612/6783401/ARTICLE Planning Advisory, Service Changes to government policy: November 2014]

There definition for what a vacant or abandoned building is or how long it must have been vacant or abandoned for.

The Conservative housing minister, Brandon Lewis MP said “the policy removes a stealth tax” that hindered regeneration and encouraged empty properties. He suggested that the changes will help deliver more housing at no cost to the taxpayer and would have no “significant adverse effect” on the government’s affordable housing programme.

London boroughs and some of the biggest private property developers have opposed the introduction of the VBC. Westminster City Council has said it will work to try and reverse the “deeply flawed” policy suggesting that it would put the delivery of affordable housing in London at serious risk, deepening the accommodation crisis afflicting the poorest people.

However, many councils outside of London believe the vacant building credit policy will make it more difficult to build affordable housing in cities, where property prices have risen rapidly. Alex Hilton of the pressure group, Generation Rent stated that handing money over to “property developers doesn’t increase the rate of house building, it simply increases the price of land”.

In February 2015, a cross-party group of London politicians called on Lewis to immediately suspend the vacant building credit. Ref [http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.

= Find out more =

=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
*Affordable housing.
*Affordable rented housing.
*Community infrastructure levy.
*Help to buy.
*Housing associations.
*National Planning Policy Framework.
*Planning obligations.
*Section 106 agreements.

=== External references ===
*[http://www.pas.gov.uk/s106/-/journal_content/56/332612/6783401/ARTICLE Planning Advisory, Service Changes to government policy: November 2014].
*[http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/planning-obligations/planning-obligations-guidance/ Planning practice guidance, Planning obligations].
*[http://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1333038/london-politicians-attack-catastrophic-vacant-building-credit Planning Resource, London politicians attack 'catastrophic' vacant building credit], 9 February 2015.

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[[Category:Policy]]