What is the call forsites?

The callfor sites presents an early opportunity for individuals, landowners, anddevelopers to suggest sites for development in the corresponding area. Theseproposals will then be considered by local authorities. Ideally, the suggestionof a site will result in a development permit.

However,the main goal of submitting a site to the call for sites is to qualify forfurther consideration. Submissions inform the preparation of local plans andneighbourhood plans over the next 20 years. Therefore, the call for sitesshould be considered as the identification of a pool of potential sites.

What sites can besubmitted?

Small-scale,medium-scale and large-scale developments may all be submitted to a call forsites. According to national guidance, local authorities must consider allsites that can deliver at least five dwellings, as well as economic developmentson sites of 0.25+ hectares. Smaller sites may also be submitted. Especially inneighbourhood planning, this might lead to success.

Bothgreenfield (agricultural land) and brownfield (previously developed land) maybe submitted. Again, neighbourhood planning committees’ calls for sites mightoffer the best chance of including these sites into consideration for futuredevelopment.

Usually,those sites that are located within or next to the built- up boundaries ofexisting settlements or urban agglomerations are likely to be admitted into localand neighbourhood plans. Sometimes, additional factors such as greeninfrastructure are required.

How to submit a site?

It is easyto submit a site to the call for sites. Follow the call of local authoritiesand use their application form to suggest a site for consideration. It willalso be necessary to include a map showing the boundaries of the proposed site,as well as a cover letter, in the application. Submissions are generallyaccepted digitally and via mail.

In somecases, there might be more requirements for submitting to a call for sites.Generally speaking, neighbourhood plan steering groups tend to be lessprescriptive.

Make sureto check the local authority’s website for details of the call for sites. Youwill also find a deadline for submissions there. Sometimes, it is possible tosubmit and even re-submit sites at any time, thus increasing the chance ofeventually getting a building permit or at least be included in the next localor neighbourhood plan.

How are sites assessed?

There aretwo ways of assessing the sites that are submitted during a call for sites:

·       Strategic Housing Land AvailabilityAssessment (SHLAA): This assessment will form part of the local authority’sevidence base for the current and for future development plans. This does notguarantee an automatic inclusion of any site in the local plan.

·       Strategic Housing and EmploymentLand Availability Assessment (SHELAA): This process is designed to findpossible land for development. The National Planning Practice Guidance includesinformation on the required assessment of land.

The SHLAAor SHELAA assessments can take quite a long time in some cases. However, thisis an important step of the UK’s planning process as these assessments make upa key database of potentially developable sites in the country. Inneighbourhood planning processes, outside experts will usually makeassessments. These are then followed by a public consultation before drawing upthe neighbourhood plan.

How can property developers utilise the call for sites?

Calls forsites are important tools for property developers. Only by submitting a site,it will be possible to obtain a building permit in due time. To participate inthe call for sites, it is important to be able to demonstrate ownership of thesite in question. Additionally, there will be a requirement for a minimum levelof detail regarding the site, the owner, and the surrounding.

Ourrecommendation is to submit any sites you might own as early as possible to acall for sites. This will increase your chances of the site being included inthe next local or neighbourhood development plan. In case there is no currentcall for sites, you can contact your local authority and ask for the nextsteps.

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