Council looks to provide certainty for developers through a cap on developer obligations

MORAY Council is working to provide certainty for developers in Moray as new figures for developer obligations were put before the planning committee earlier today.

A maximum cap of £6,500 per residential unit could be introduced, with the funds raised going towards infrastructure improvements such as public transport or roads, schools and health provision.

This comes after a report by the Grampian District Valuer, and the recommendation that a cap be set at £6,500. Currently, some developers working on projects in Elgin are being asked for up to £14,000 for each property which can lead to extended negotiations.

Chair of Moray Council’s planning and regulatory services committee, Cllr Claire Feaver, said that certainty would be welcomed by the council as well as developers, as estimates on the funds raised through developer obligations could be calculated and included in future budgets.

“Updating these guidelines reflects the council’s approach to working with developers to maintain sustainable growth and making sure housing is kept affordable for residents. This work will continue as each year we’ll be updating the developer obligations guidance.”

The timescale for spending developer obligations could also increase from 10 years to 15 years, to allow larger scale projects to be designed and funded by the money raised.

The updated supplementary guidance on developer obligations can be viewed online or in Moray Council access points and libraries from Monday 21 August until 13 October 2017.

Comments will then be put in front of Moray Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services Committee, which is responsible for approving or rejecting the measures.