Net Zero Carbon Development Plan
(3)9 Viability
Policy NZC2(E) Viability
Where the nature or location of the site (for instance impact on the significance heritage assets) means that complying with the requirements of this DPD can be demonstrated to result in a development proposal becoming unviable, Policy DM2 of the Local Plan will apply.
9.1 Net zero carbon development that accords with this DPD will be required except where it can clearly be demonstrated that meeting all the requirements of this DPD will render a development proposal unviable. Where this is the case, in line with Local Plan Policy DM2, applicants should discuss viability concerns with the Local Planning Authority at the earliest possible stage in the development process and any viability assessment will be independently reviewed. Where this demonstrates that the viability of a proposal is threatened, discussions should take place with the Local Planning Authority on a case by case basis to consider the implications. It should be noted, that in preparing this DPD, the Council has undertaken a high level viability assessment. This demonstrates that the majority of development types, in the majority of locations are viable. The Council therefore considers that policy NZC2(E) will only apply in unusual circumstances such as where there are particularly high build costs, where there abnormal site circumstances (such as the need to prevent harm to heritage assets) or where sales values are particularly low.