Decision 02/2023 – Pre-Planning Agreement for Mount Browne

Author and Job Role: Alison Bolton, Chief Executive

Protective Marking: OFFICIAL

Executive Summary

The Commissioner is asked to sign a pre-planning agreement with Guildford Borough Council, relating to the Mount Browne Police HQ in Guildford and proposed plans for its re-development.

A Pre-Planning Agreement (PPA) is an agreement between the developer (the PCC) and the Planning Authority (Guildford Borough Council).  It provides a project management framework for handling the pre-application period, prior to the submission of a planning application.  It is designed to speed up the pre-planning process by committing both parties to an agreed timetable and making clear what level of resources and actions are required to ensure all key planning issues are properly considered.  It does not give any guarantee that Guildford BC will grant planning permission for the development and relates solely to the process of considering development proposals, not the decision itself.

The agreement comes at a cost to the developer to cover costs associated with work up to submission of an application.  It has been reviewed by Surrey Police’s Programme Director, Maureen Cherry and by Vail Williams on behalf of the PCC.

Recommendation

To sign the Pre-Planning Agreement with Guildford Borough Council as relates to the redevelopment proposals for Mount Browne HQ.

Police and Crime Commissioner Approval

I approve the recommendation(s):

Signature: Lisa Townsend, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey (Wet signed copy held at PCC Office)

Date: 17 April 2023

All decisions must be added to the decision register.

Areas of consideration

Consultation

Surrey Police Programme Director; Vail Williams.

Financial implications

Fees of £28k to Guildford BC for support during the pre-planning process. 

Legal

The PPA is made pursuant to Section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972, Section 2 of the Local Government Act 2000, s93 Local Government Act 2003 and s1 Localism Act 2011

Risks

None arising.

Equality and diversity

No issues arising.