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Shropshire landowners are being advised to seek expert advice on all planning issues to be guided through a potential minefield of new regulations.

 

Shaun Jones, director of Halls’ professional department in Shrewsbury, says the company, which has offices across Shropshire, Worcestershire and Mid Wales, is dealing with a rising number of planning applications despite the additional red tape.

 

He is urging Shropshire Council to reconsider punitive regulations, which are likely to have a negative impact on residential development in the current economic climate, particularly in rural communities.

 

From April 1, all planning applications for residential barn conversions in Shropshire will trigger a scaled payment towards affordable housing.  In addition, a Community Infrastructure Levy for property development is set to be adopted this year following public consultation.

 

“All residential accommodation of over 100 square metres will trigger a payment towards infrastructure provision,” said Mr Jones. “Shropshire Council is undertaking a public consultation exercise on the proposals, which will hopefully dilute the impact.

 

“Rather than having a blanket levy that has been developed over five years, we need a policy that is sensitive to the current economic climate and supports residential development.

 

“I also think the £120 per square metre Community Infrastructure Levy proposed for residential development in rural areas is very unfair compared to the £40 per square metre levy in all other areas.

 

“There is already a shortage of affordable houses in rural areas and this proposed levy is going to be counter productive by adding yet another burden to development costs.”

 

However, he revealed good news for barn owners in the former South Shropshire district, who stand to benefit from new planning policy.  Their payments towards affordable housing will, this year, be based upon 13% of deemed conversion cost compared to 50% under the existing policy. Listed barns are exempt from the payment.

 

“The impact of this levy is clear for everyone to see because there have been very few barn conversions in South Shropshire over the past eight years,” he added. “The new policy should, hopefully, stimulate the market.

 

“Our planning team is currently handling a wide variety of applications across Shropshire, Worcestershire and Mid Wales, including barn conversions, poultry sheds, new farm buildings, affordable dwellings and additional dwellings on farms,” he added.

 

“With the changing planning legislation, it’s essential that landowners seek professional advice and guidance before submitting a planning application.”

 

Mr Jones can be contacted at Halls, Welsh Bridge, Shrewsbury on Tel: 01743 284777.