Housing Minister launches £17m fund to boost Right to Build projects
Housing Minister Grant Shapps has launched a £17m fund to help communities take advantage of the Community Right to Build scheme.
The Right to Build was part of the neighbourhood planning provisions in the Localism Act 2011 and became law as part of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations on 6 April 2012.
To use the scheme, which offers an alternative to a traditional application for planning permission, members of the community will have to set themselves up as a corporate body with the purpose of furthering the interests of the community.
Under the Right to Build, community-led projects will not have to go through the normal planning process where they have met certain criteria and received the backing of more than 50% of voters in a local referendum. Each development proposal will be independently examined.
Shapps said the Right to Build could be used for a range of projects, including:
- family houses for sale or rent;
- community halls;
- homes designed specifically to meet the needs of older people;
- children’s playgrounds; and
- shops and business facilities.
The £17m fund will be administered by the Homes & Communities Agency and will be available for communities outside London. Separate arrangements for the capital are to be announced shortly.
The Department for Communities and Local Government said the funding was not intended to cover the cost of building, land acquisition or other costs associated with the development itself.
Instead it can be used towards the costs of preparing a submission for a Community Right to Build Order. The DCLG said this could include consulting in the local area or developing the proposal and business case for the scheme.
Community charity Locality has also launched a ‘support hub’ for those looking for advice and support that includes a website, phone line, seminars and one-to-one mentoring.
Grant Shapps said: "For too long communities have had to use their energy fighting development they didn't want rather then putting it to use bringing about the homes, shops and facilities they did. The Community Right to Build completely changes that and puts communities in the driving seat by ensuring they can bring about the development their neighbourhood needs.
"The funding and advice service being offered will provide a big boost to those communities eager to take up their Right and bring about change to their area. I would urge all communities to make use of this support to ensure they have the best chance to thrive in the future."
The Government is also offering an ‘early bird’ bonus of up to £2,000 for communities that get their plans in by the end of March 2013.
More information on the fund can be found here.
