Our guide to developing in Southampton
Southampton, the largest city in our area, is a compact urban unitary authority with a population of 250,000. The city is best known for its port and in particular as stopping off port for cruise liners past (think Titanic) and present. Southampton city centre is a thriving commercial hub also notable for its surprising historic remains (such as the medieval walls) and for its extensive network of green spaces.
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Key points about developing in Southampton
Development Plan: Southampton has an adopted Core Strategy adopted in 2010 replacing much (but not all) of its 2006 Local Plan. The Core Strategy is under partial review and there is also an emerging City Centre Action Plan – both are currently at the Examination in Public stage together – adoption is anticipated to be towards the end of 2014.
Pre-application advice: Southampton charge for this service with fees dependent upon the scale of the proposal – ranging from £35+VAT for a householder application up to £770+VAT for 10-99 unit residential schemes. Call us for advice on whether this service is worthwhile in your case.
Affordable Housing: 1-4 net dwellings none; 5-14 net dwellings 20%; 15 or more or over 0.5 ha 35%. There is a presumption of on-site delivery but where a commuted sum is agreed there is a standardised table to assist calculation.
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL): Southampton have been charging since 01 September 2013. The rates are:
Retail (A1-A5) – £43 per sqm
Residential (C3 and all HMOs) – £70 per sqm
Special policy restrictions:
Significant areas around the town centre and along the riversides are flood risk areas
All residential development must meet Level 4 of Code for Sustainable Homes (BREAMM excellent for non-residential over 500sqm) and from 2016 this goes up to Level 6
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