Decision-maker discretion and planning refusal

Ultimately, the weight to be given to the outcome of a viability assessment is a matter for the decision maker, having regard to all the circumstances in the case. Should a development be brought forward without meeting all policy requirements, regardless of the viability of the scheme, the Council will assess whether this would render the development proposal unacceptable in planning terms, bearing in mind the premise that the obligation is necessary to make the development acceptable. Therefore, where policy obligations are not met, this may result in planning permission being refused, irrespective of any viability considerations.