Credit Check: Muddles In The Mire

The introduction of new policy on section 106 tariffs and affordable housing has generated significant interest and concern. The policy simply states that:

"A financial credit, equivalent to the existing gross floorspace of any vacant buildings brought back into any lawful use or demolished for re-development, should be deducted from the calculation of any affordable housing contributions sought from relevant development schemes."

The statement is clearly policy, albeit the weight to attach to it is a matter of debate.  Where local plans have been adopted in accordance with the NPPF, taking account of viability and vacant floor space, should the new policy override that?  The additional supporting paragraphs in the NPPG are not policy, but there is a risk that they will be treated as if they are, given the poor and skeletal nature of the policy itself.