Planning Obligations SPD Update

We are preparing a partial update to the Planning Obligations SPD

Tower Hamlets is one of the fastest-growing boroughs in London and has seen a significant amount of development in recent years - a trend that is expected to continue in the future. The council welcomes the delivery of new housing and commercial developments, while also recognising that growth needs to be managed sensitively. This includes addressing the needs of a growing population and delivering benefits to new and existing communities. One of the ways that we manage development is by including planning obligations as part of planning permissions.

Planning obligations are agreements with developers which address the impacts of a development and ensure that it is acceptable in planning terms. The Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) provides guidance on how planning obligations are secured from new development. The current Planning Obligations SPD was adopted in March 2021 and we are now proposing a partial update so that it remains up to date and better reflects current costs to the council, especially in light of recent high levels of inflation.

What's Changing?

Development Co-ordination Contribution and S106 Monitoring Fee

The council is planning to update the formulas for the development co-ordination contribution and the non-financial monitoring fee. These updates will:

• Adjust the formulas in line with indexation
• Allow the formulas to be increased in line with indexation from the date that the updated formula is set, through to the date that the contribution and monitoring fee are included in a Section 106 agreement

These updates will help ensure that the value of the development co-ordination contribution and monitoring fee reflect the actual costs incurred by the council and maintain their value over time.

Mansard Roof Conservation Area Contributions:

Following public consultation in late 2024, the council is proposing new and updated design guidelines for several conservation areas. These changes will be considered by Cabinet on Wednesday 18 June. If they are adopted, then it is proposed to update the Planning Obligations SPD to reflect the new design guidelines.

How You Can Get Involved

A full public consultation on the proposed updates to the Planning Obligations SPD will take place in September 2025. In the meantime, if you have comments or would like to provide feedback on the proposal to update the Planning Obligations SPD, you can provide comments via the survey below or email infrastructure.planning@towerhamlets.gov.uk