Norfolk Recreational Impact Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy Action Plan

Since the 1st of April 2022, for any development permitted where additional recreational impact is likely to be generated, applicants are required to pay a one off tariff per dwelling/unit. This will pay for mitigation measures at Natura 2000 Designated Protected Wildlife Sites (opens new window) within Norfolk (The Brecks, North Norfolk Coast and The Broads), as described in theNorfolk Recreational Impact Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy Action Plan (opens new window). This is because the evidence that informed the Norfolk Recreational Impact Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy Action Plan (2024) shows that schemes which create additional recreational impact (in combination with other development) in the zone of influence of Natura 2000 Habitat Sites will likely have a significant effect through recreation impact, meaning visiting sites for recreational purposes.

Breckland District Council, along with all other Norfolk Local Authorities, require a one off tariff of £304.17 per dwelling/unit to go towards recreation impact avoidance and mitigation measures. This is described in the Norfolk Recreational Impact Avoidance Mitigation Strategy Action Plan. In order for any planning permission, which creates additional recreational impact to be approved, a Section 106 Agreement (usually for major planning applications) or a Unilateral Undertaking (for all other applications) will need to be agreed and signed so the adverse impacts identified can be adequately mitigated against.  Once complete and checked by officers, they will then need to do an Appropriate Assessment and consult Natural England.  Given the delays this can cause we require a Unilateral Undertaking to be submitted within 10 days of  the validation of the application. The Section 106 Agreement/Unilateral Undertaking will require payment of the tariff 'prior to commencement of development'. These monies are in addition to any planning application fee(s)/other obligation payments

In order to process the Unilateral Undertakings, The Local Planning Authority charge an administration fee (non-refundable) and monitoring fee to collect, monitor and issue the tariff. The administration fee is £80 and an additional £80 monitoring fee per application is also required. The administration and monitoring fees are to be paid within 10 days of your planning application being validated.

*Please do not pay the tariff in advance of receiving any planning consent*. The Administration and Monitoring fees are based on a per application basis (not per dwelling/unit).

Failure to provide the necessary information and payments, as set out above could result in significant delay to the issuing of any planning application and/or the refusal of planning permission.

Pay the fee online

Please note the funds collected will be spent on measures to mitigate the effects of development which affects all Natura 2000 Habitat Sites in Norfolk, not just those within Breckland. By paying the tariff, the recreation effects of your site, in combination with other similar development, will be considered mitigated.

The Council have produced standard form undertakings for your use together with guidance notes (usually for minor and other applications and not major planning applications, which are likely to be dealt with by a Section 106 Agreement. Major Planning Applications consist of 10 dwellings or more).  Any changes to the standard form other than in accordance with the guidance notes will require legal approval and will incur additional legal fees payable by you.  It is therefore strongly recommended that the guidance notes are followed carefully and no amendments are made other than as directed in the guidance.

It is recommended that the proposed undertaking (updated in accordance with the guidance notes) is submitted electronically via email with your application at validation stage together with evidence of ownership.  Once the proposed undertaking is approved by the Council you should send the signed agreement with plan attached to the Case Officer.  All documentation must be received prior to determination of your application.  The Unilateral Undertaking must be completed within 10 days of validating your application.  Please note the standard undertaking is reviewed and updated regularly, including the fee, so please download a fresh copy for each application.

Failure to provide a signed Unilateral Undertaking will result in refusal of planning permission. If planning permission is subsequently refused then any received, signed Unilateral Undertakings will be destroyed or returned on request. Planning obligations are legally binding on the landowner (and any successor in title). 

Download the documents for GIRAMS only development:

• GIRAMS Unilateral Undertaking (Word doc, 32 KB)(opens new window)
• GIRAMS Prior Approval Unilateral Undertaking (Word doc, 32 KB)(opens new window)
• GIRAMS Unilateral Undertaking Guidance Notes (PDF, 185 KB)(opens new window)

Is my development affected?

The tariff applies to all new residential developments where there is a net increase in dwelling numbers. This includes, for example, the conversion of one dwelling to multiple dwellings or flats, or the change of use of other buildings to dwellings. It also includes new tourist accommodation. It excludes replacement dwellings and extensions to existing dwellings (where there is no net gain in dwelling numbers). Applicants are advised to contact us if they are unsure whether the tariff would apply.  Please note, payments are required for all relevant application types, including (but not limited to): full planning permissions, reserved matters applications, and prior approvals.  Payments are not required for s.73 (variation of condition) applications unless additional overnight stays or units are created.

Restricted development types include:

• nursing homes, where the residents will be those in need of daily nursing care and therefore unable to undertake outdoor recreation.
• residential annexes, whereby they do not create independent dwellings.
• non-residential development, employment growth or infrastructure improvements.

However, other projects that may cause recreational disturbance at Habitat Sites will need to undertake their own Habitat Regulation Assessments (HRAs).