Planning Performance Agreements

What is a planning performance agreement?

A planning performance agreement (PPA) provides a project management framework between the Council and an applicant to engage on the applicant’s development proposal through the planning process.

It is a voluntary agreement entered into by both parties without obligation from the Council to recommend an application favourably. It presents clear direction and resource from both parties to process an application in a constructive, collaborative, and open manner.

PPAs provide a structured way for giving advice to the applicant before applications are made, alternatively if entered during the course of an application  they provide an opportunity to agree a clear timeframe for determination and resourcing of officers during an application.

To be most effective they should be considered at an early stage of seeking planning advice from the Council, the aim being to encourage a more efficient, joined up working practice.

PPAs do not guarantee planning permission or restrict the Council from acting in its capacity as a Local Planning Authority. The Council enters into a PPA on the basis that it does so without prejudice to its formal consideration of any application and nothing in the agreement predetermines the final outcome of an application.

Paragraph 47 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) advises that ‘applicants and the Local Planning Authority should consider the potential for a voluntary planning performance agreement, there this might achieve a faster and more effective application process. Planning performative agreements are likely to be needed for applications that are particularly large or complex to determine’
 

When to use a PPA

PPAs are generally suitable for the following types of development:

  • Large scale and/or complex major applications of strategic importance in the Local Plan.
  • Large scale and/or complex major applications that require a EIA.
  • Other major applications which are complex in nature and require extensive advice.
  • Applications for a programme of ongoing works where particular complexities may arise, such as approving details on major housing development sites or NSIPs.
     

Why agree a PPA?

Whilst a PPA does not guarantee a permission it gives the applicant greater certainty as to what is required to secure a better chance of a positive outcome and access to the case officer to resolve any matters. Other benefits of a PPA include

  • The applicant and Council have an agreed programme of works, set of deliverables and timescale for reaching a decision on the application.

  • It will specify a Development Management Committee date if the application can’t be determined under delegated powers.
  • The Council is able to identify in-house discipline resources required to engage and respond to the application is a collaborative and timely manner. The PPA enables the Council to secure both in-house and external resources to review the application on its behalf, as required in the PPA programme.
  • The applicant can discuss and address aspects and matters as they arise and make the necessary charges through a series of agreed regular scheduled meetings.
  • For large-scale and/or complex major application identified as of strategic importance in the Development Plan, the Council can facilitate briefings with the appropriate Council’s executive team and/or Councillors within whose electoral ward the PPA scheme is situated, if appropriate.
  • The Council will instruct a named Planning Case Officer who will form the single point of contact between the Council and the applicant, who can discuss the application at ant point during the process as required by the applicant.

 

Developing a PPA

There are a number of stages involved in agreeing a PPA including:

  1. Initial contact from the developer to the council for a meeting to discuss a potential PPA. Please email planning@southderbyshire.gov.uk
  2. If there is a agreement that a PPA would be beneficial, the Council will arrange an inception meeting with the applicant. During this meeting the applicant should present an overview of their proposals to allow a better understanding of the scale and form of the development. The likely Case Officer will attend this meeting and will draft the PPA based on this.
  3. The Case Officer will share the draft PPA with the applicant, including the costs, project team and programme
  4. Once agreement is reached the developers will be invoiced
  5. The Council will then issue the Final PPA for signature and the programme will commence.
     

Fees

Cost Schedule(Click Here) (pdf, 79kb)

The cost schedule sets out fees for a number of application categories on the basis this serves as guidance in discussion with the application. The final cost will be subject to discussions regarding the details nature of the development proposals, programme and resources required. There may also be a need to instruct external consultants on some disciplines. The Council will discuss these costs with the developer.

Fees are exclusive of VAT which will be applied at the appropriate level at the time of invoicing.

Documents List
Introduction of PPAs Committee Report (pdf, 59kb)
Template Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) (pdf, 231kb)