Planning Obligations (S106 Agreements)

A Planning Obligation or Section 106 agreement (Town and Country Planning Act 1990) is sometimes attached to a planning application.

It usually requires the developer to do something to lessen the impact of a development, or restricts what can be done with land following planning permission being granted.

These works may be provided off site if they cannot be achieved on the development site itself.

Examples of obligations include:

• Traffic calming measures or road improvements
• Enhancement of the local environment
• Replacement of local wildlife habitats
• Providing community / educational facilities
• Affordable housing
• Local employment initiatives

Planning obligations are legal ‘charges’ on land and are held on the Local Land Charges Register.

If you are buying property or land, your solicitor will be able to advise you of any relevant obligations.

Page last updated: 24 October 2024