I have submitted a planning application for a single dwelling which has been refused based on officer recommendation. The reasons for refusal were the catch all 'local distinctiveness' and failure to complete a S106 agreement. I submitted an economic viability assessment which the Council Valuer indicated he has no reason to question but development control have refused to negotiate a lower affordable housing contribution because they will only do so if the 'proposal is satisfactory in all other respects'. My planning consultant has produced a strong appeal case challenging the council's interpretation of 'local distinctiveness' and has advised that it would be preferable to resolve the S106 Agreement outside of the appeal process. It seems to me unreasonable and obstructive for the Council to refuse to discuss the S106 contributions simply because they don't support the proposal on design grounds. The Council's Core Strategy document even states 'the Council will: First, seek to maximise the potential for affordable housing contributions from that development by allowing a higher proportion of intermediate housing to be provided to meet the overall housing target; Second, seek to negotiate a percentage of affordable housing as close as possible to the target level set in this policy, having regard to a site specific economic viability assessment.' The key phrase being 'the Council will' NOT 'if we like everything else the Council will...' Any thoughts gratefully received.
