When is it required?
In addition any development which would increase the human population, tourism or visitor use within 15km of the Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation (SAC) may have a significant impact on the SAC. More guidance on other types of applications is in the Natural England FAQ link below.
What is this?
The developer contribution enables the harm which could arise from the development to be mitigated. The current financial contribution for the year April 2024 to March 2025 is £344.01 per dwelling, the figure is subject to an annual increase which will apply each year from 1st April 2024 onwards, in line with the All Items Group (Item reference CHAW) of the Retail Prices Index published by HM Government Office for National Statistics. Certainty to prevent the harm which could arise needs to be secured prior to the issuing of a decision notice. This can be achieved via the applicant signing a unilateral undertaking and in addition paying the LPA’s costs in signing the document, for more advice on the amount of contribution likely to be required and how the mitigation can be secured contact the case officer.
Why is this required?
The Council must ensure that decisions will not have a negative impact upon Cannock Chase SAC. The Council has sufficient evidence to demonstrate that any development which would increase the human population, tourism or visitor use within 15km of the Cannock Chase SAC may have a significant adverse, in combination effect on the site in the absence of mitigation. This includes any net increase of 1dwelling or more. Through the Cannock Chase SAC Partnership a series of mitigation and avoidance measures have been agreed with Natural England. These are referred to as Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Measures (SAMMM). Where developments will result in an increase in human population, tourism or visitor use within the 15km zone of influence, mitigation in the form of a financial contribution is required.