Wandsworth Planning Policy Consultations

Wandsworth Council is currently running three consultations on its planning policies. They take the form of draft “Supplementary Planning Documents” (SPDs) which flesh out in more detail the policies and guidance set out in the Local Plan. The three drafts relate to

·        Planning Obligations, the requirements that developers may be required to meet in order to ensure that they contribute fairly to the infrastructure that the borough needs. These may take the form of payments or legal agreements – “Section 106 agreements” – to mitigate the impact of new developments, or to provide benefits to the local community. These may cover things such as educational or health facilities, environmental improvements and so on. The biggest single use of such agreements relates to the provision of affordable housing; but this will be covered in a separate housing SPD, to be published for consultation in the future.

·        Biodiversity, which sets out how improvements in biodiversity can be considered and incorporated at each stage of the development process. This covers areas such as  priority species and habitats, and sites of importance for nature conservation. The Environment Act 2021 requires a 10% increase in biodiversity for land seeking planning permission, with a requirement for a biodiversity net gain (BNG) plan to be approved before permission is granted. The draft SPD provides guidance on how this is to be achieved.

·        Trees and Development, which provides guidance for developers to assist them in managing and protecting trees during development. It aims to maximise the delivery and protection of trees during the planning process to improve the environment, biodiversity, health and built environment throughout the borough. It supports the borough’s  Tree Policy, alongside the tree management and landscaping policies set out in the  Local Plan.

Along with our colleagues in the Open Spaces Committee, we are considering the three drafts and will submit our comments by the deadline of 30 September.