by Zena Cardwell
DOT plans to extract substantial contributions from developers for trunk road improvements have this week been rejected as unworkable by property experts.
The Government wants the system up and running by next April. Under it the DOT will examine local development plans and identify necessary motorway or trunk road works arising from proposed developments. Financial contributions required from developers will be calculated on the volume of traffic generated by their schemes.
Three categories have been devised to assess the sum payable: In a “red line” case the proposal would substantially increase traffic on a section of road already at or above “capacity” level and the developer would have to meet the entire improvements bill.
In a “yellow line” situation estimated improvement costs would be divided between a number of parties with developments contributing to the need for it.
Finally, “green line” cases cover highway improvements which are already in the DOT’s programme. In this instance developers would have to cover the cost of bringing forward the DOT works if their scheme necessitated it.
In the last two situations payment will be required before the granting of planning permission. And, once contributions are paid, there will be no refunds unless the planning consent is altered or the DOT does not proceed with the road scheme. The ministry does not think it likely that interest will be paid on returned money.
According to Hillier Parker’s planning chief, Stuart Robinson: “These proposals are at best sheer folly and at worst totally unworkable as the DOT does not have a balanced approach and only looks at roads in isolation from other factors. And to even suggest that developers should contribute towards major road improvements merely highlights the lamentable lack of commitments by the Government to progressive development in this country.”
Drivers Jonas partner Nigel Smith agrees: “Things are bad enough without this. At worst these proposals could stop development dead.”
The deadline for submissions to the DOT from interested parties is October 23.
