The Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy & Housing agreed to increase the budget for compensating the owners of properties next to the Plashet Road development. The total budget increase approved is £567,770. This pays for increased construction costs, legal and surveyor fees, and a contingency in case more neighbours make claims in the future.

Plashet Road Right of Light Compensation

The council is building homes on the site of the former One Love Community Centre on Plashet Road. When planning the development, the council identified that the new building may infringe on the right-to-light enjoyed by 17 of its neighbours. The council decided to use its statutory powers to override these rights and then negotiate compensation with the owners of the affected properties.

An initial budget of £277,630 was set in May 2023.

The budget calculations that have been produced by the Right of Light consultants are based on a formula, which looks at the extent of the loss of light, the likely rent, and the yield that would be applicable.

A report was prepared for the meeting in July 2024 that showed that the budget was likely to be insufficient. The report recommended a new budget of £845,400, made up of:

• An increased compensation budget of £361,400
• A budget for legal and surveyor fees of £204,000
• A contingency budget of £280,000

Under the advice of Right of Light professionals, there is no particular deadline for new claimants to come forward, meaning that future claims could be made beyond the anticipated injuries.

The Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy & Housing approved the increase, bringing the total budget for compensating residents up to £845,400. This will be paid for from underspend in the Plashet Road development budget.