Cooper warns local authorities must use section 106

Local authorities must make better use of section 106 agreements to deliver more affordable housing and infrastructure, the government has said.

Planning minister, Yvette Cooper issued the warning after new research revealed that there is still a large inconsistency between different local authorities in the use of planning obligations.

A recent study by Sheffield University showed that 60% of medium and large and 90% of minor residential planning permissions do not include 106 agreements at all.

Cooper said the government was looking at new ways to get more from planning gain. She said: “We all know that land values can rise dramatically once planning permission has been given. Yet in the majority of cases developers pay nothing towards infrastructure and affordable housing.”

She continued: “That is why we are looking at new ways to raise more from planning gain. And in the meantime we are urging local authorities to make more use of section 106 agreements to provide the affordable homes we need.”

The government published new guidance alongside the report for local authorities and developers on how to use planning obligations better. The guide gives advice on how to improve the development, negotiation and implementation of section 106 agreements.