URL: https://democratic.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4064

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Countryside

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To sell excess SANG capacity to serve up to, and no more than, 200 dwellings in neighbouring authorities, with such capacity to be sold at a higher rate than the fees set out in the Thames Basin Heaths SPA SPD.

Content: That the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Countryside authorise the Executive Director: Place be delegated to sell excess SANG capacity  to serve  up to, and no more than, 200 dwellings  in neighbouring authorities, with such capacity to be sold at a higher rate than the fees set out in the Thames Basin Heaths SPA SPD. i.       Securing increased SANG contributions from developments outside the Borough will maximise the potential amount of money the Council can secure from its SANG assets. The limitation of sale of capacity to that required by 200 dwellings will ensure that this action does not prejudice the Council’s own SPA mitigation strategy. The Council has followed this process once before in 2022 for a single development in Frimley (Surrey Heath District, planning reference 16/0803) which yielded an increase in SANG income of  £301,943  for a 90 residential unit scheme.  The decision to authorise this agreement was made via an Executive Member Decision.   ii.     The Council has enough SANG capacity to serve our housing needs (as set out in the Bracknell Forest Local Plan 2024)  even after selling a further 200 dwellings worth as per this intended scheme. Furthermore the Executive in a decision dated 21/03/2023 https://democratic.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/documents/d3497/Printed%20decision%20SANG%20capacity%20agreements%20between%20Bracknell%20Forest%20Council%20and%20Surrey%20Heath%20Borough.pdf?T=5 authorised the selling of 500 dwellings worth of SANG capacity to Surrey Heath Council. Since that decision, Surrey Heath Council have procured their own in-house SANG so have declined the need for this further capacity. This means 500 dwellings worth was returned to the Council’s overall capacity meaning the Council can confidently offer up the 200 dwellings worth as per the recommendation in this report.   iii.    A number of prospective developers reviewing a site in Camberley (within Surrey Heath) have approached officers to seek SANG capacity for another scheme. In principle terms have been agreed with the developer to seek SANG capacity for 30 X 1 and 2 bedroom dwellings but to pay  the Council’s current highest rate of £8,989 per dwelling subject to the relevant authorisation.   iv.    Rather than seek authorisation for individual schemes it is preferred that a more general authorisation  be secured for a capped amount of dwellings. It is considered that the Council can commit to 200 dwellings worth of dwellings subject to agreement in line with the proposed recommendation. So for example, the 30 unit scheme above will be part of that authorisation.   v.     Providing SANG capacity and generating income from its sale positively contributes towards a number of Council objectives, including:   ·       Demonstrating that the Council is proactive in its statutory Duty to Cooperate with other neighbouring authorities by enabling wider delivery of housing need. ·       Providing significant income to support the Council’s SANG programme and strategy. ·       Providing increased income which will translate into high quality maintained open space (SANG). ·       Providing increased income to support relevant Council services as part of the Council’s Transformation programme.   To not provide any SANG capacity for such developments which means the Council would forgo an opportunity to maximise increased income from use of the Council’s SANG assets. None

Date of Decision: November 6, 2025