Community Led Project Support

1. Community Led Project Support Getting permission to build Newcastle 18 October 2013 Bill Carr

2. Programme background • Community Right to Build (CRtB) established in Localism Act 2011 • Must benefit the community in perpetuity • Small site-specific, community-led developments • Homes, businesses or facilities without normal planning application process • Must have agreement of >50% through vote in referendum in designated neighbourhood • Some min requirements (e.g. in line with national planning policies and strategic elements of local plan) • Must be in line with regulations in Localism Act 2011 • CRtB revenue funding launched in 2012 (£14m outside London) • Programme expanded March 13 to cover capacity building for groups to submit a planning app • Aims to build capacity in community organisations, to form, develop plans and assist towards submission of a CRtB Order or a planning application.

3. Current programme • £14m available through two routes to funding: • Community Right to Build – provides support for community groups who want to submit an application for a Community Right to Build Order as an alternative to achieving planning permission by submitting an application for planning permission. • Planning Application Route – provides support for community groups seeking to achieve planning permission through a planning application.

4. Process • Develop your thinking – with the community • Speak to Locality for support • Do your homework (as much as you can) • What are you trying to do? For whom, and why? • What will it take to make it happen and who can help? • Seek clarification if needed from local HCA champion or email us: clps@hca.gsi.gov.uk • And only then….fill out the application form • Local HCA teams assess proposals to ensure eligibility, compliance with regulations and value for money • We can provide feedback – not just a one-off yes or no

5. Payments • Payments agreed up front and linked to fixed milestones: • Milestone 1 establishing a body corporate • Milestone 2 initial proposals outlined • Milestone 3 detailed proposals developed • Milestone 4 demonstration of submission of a Community Right to Build Order or a valid planning application

6. Programme Requirements (1) Applicant Eligibility • Community groups will need to demonstrate that they have met or plan to meet the following requirements: • i) Formed a community organisation • ii) Developed their ideas and proposals • iii) Engaged with the local community • iv) Consulted with certain bodies and the community • v) Conducted negotiations with the site owners and have secured or anticipate to secure legal interest in the sites

7. What this means….. • Should be a Body Corporate or have defined plans to become one • Any community group or Parish Council • Could be any kind – company, charity, I&PS, CLT etc • Have a firm first-choice site identified • Be able to show some level of community engagement • Could be local press, meetings, membership etc • Have reached a stage where deliverability can be demonstrated • We do NOT expect groups to have fully worked up schemes before applying • But proposals must be clear that they have good prospects of proceeding • For CRtB meet the Regulatory Requirement • Sections 61E to Q of, and Schedules 4B and 4C to the Town and Country Planning 1990

8. Programme Requirements (2) Development Eligibility • The money is revenue funding • i.e. not for construction or development costs • Applications can be submitted to support most types of developments eligible • Affordable housing or housing for sale (including self build), Shops, Businesses, facilities such as a village hall or community centre • We have had some very ambitious proposals! • Schemes can also seek other HCA funding • (e.g. Custom Build)

9. What this means….. Ask yourself the important questions….. and help us to understand what you’re trying to do What is going to be built? Who is expected to use/buy/rent the buildings to be developed? How will the community benefit from the proposed scheme? How have they been involved in the discussions? Where will it be built? What land has been identified? Who owns the land? Are there any restrictions on its use? What progress has there been in securing a legal interest in the land? If none, can the support/commitment of landowner be demonstrated? How will the building work be procured and financed?

10. What costs are in and out….. OUT • Work on multiple sites at once • Non CRtB schemes that don’t require planning consent eg some empty homes • Schemes that don’t benefit the community • Land excavation THE KEY IS TO SPEAK TO LOCALITY FIRST……. IN • Community consultation • Things needed to meet local planning authority requirements • Designs, drawings, • Financial appraisal and business planning • Site plans • Architect fees • Legal fees - securing legal interest)