36. Planning Agreement (Heads of Terms Form)
What is it?
The Plan Strategy includes a range of planning policies that identify the potential requirement for a Planning Agreement to secure developer contributions, infrastructure or other forms of planning obligation to make the proposed development acceptable.
A Heads of Terms Form sets out the applicant’s intention to enter into a Planning Agreement as part of the planning application process, and describes the planning obligations that it is expected to contain. The Heads of Terms Form also provides important administrative information to assist the preparation of the Planning Agreement including details of ownership of the site and the solicitor acting on behalf of the applicant.
When is it required?
A Heads of Terms Form should be provided with all applications where it is expected that a Planning Agreement will be a prerequisite to the granting of planning permission, having regard to the planning policies in the Plan Strategy.
What should be included?
Applicants should complete the Heads of Terms Form template, which can be obtained by emailing [email protected].
Guidance
The Council will draft the Planning Agreement based on a review of the Heads of Terms Form by the Planning Service.
The Council’s Developer Contribution Framework sets out circumstances when a Planning Agreement will be required to secure developer contributions.
Further guidance on planning agreements is provided by Development Management Practice Note 21: Section 76 Planning Agreements (link opens in new window)
