The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This policy requires affordable workspace in larger employment schemes. It applies to developments of 1,000 square metres or more of employment floorspace, including major mixed-use schemes. At least 10% of the floorspace must be affordable workspace, let at rents at least 20% below average market rents and secured permanently through planning obligations. It should normally be provided on site; where that is shown to be unfeasible, off-site provision or a payment may be accepted. Exceptions must be justified by a robust viability assessment, with review mechanisms possible.
An unofficial plain English summary. The official wording below is
what counts at examination; check it before you rely on anything here.
The text below is extracted automatically from the official PDF and may
contain artefacts; the PDF is authoritative.
Policy EC.4
Affordable Employment Space
This policy applies to development proposals that deliver 1,000 sqm or more of gross
employment floorspace, including major mixed-use developments incorporating
employment uses.
A. Requirement
Development proposals will be required to provide affordable workspace as part of
the overall employment floorspace of at least 10% of the overall gross floorspace.
Affordable workspace should be provided at rents at least 20% below average rents
based on recent market analysis and at rates that are genuinely accessible to local
businesses, having regard to local evidence of need, the type and size of workspace
proposed, and the overall viability of the scheme. Affordable workspace must be
secured through planning obligations in perpetuity, unless otherwise agreed by the
Local Planning Authority.
B. On-Site Provision
Affordable workspace should be provided on site as an integral component of the
development. On-site provision should be designed, located and managed to ensure
that it is fit for purpose, commercially functional and capable of meeting the needs of
its intended occupiers, without undermining the operational effectiveness of the
wider development.
Where it is demonstrated that on-site provision of affordable workspace is not
feasible due to site-specific constraints, operational requirements or viability
considerations, the Local Planning Authority may accept equivalent off-site provision
or a financial contribution in lieu.
C. Review mechanism for Exceptional Circumstances
Where a proposal does not provide onsite affordable workspace or an equivalent off-
site contribution, this must be justified by a robust and transparent viability
assessment.
The Local Planning Authority may require the inclusion of review mechanisms within
planning obligations to enable additional affordable workspace provision or financial
contributions to be secured where development viability improves over time.