Figure 5.1: PBSA Assessment Sites – Expected Delivery Timescales

5.8. On the basis of this analysis, it can be concluded that Policy H12 still forms and appropriate basis for the LPA to assess proposals coming forward for PBSA. Moving forward however, the pipeline should be kept under regular review in order to determine ongoing effectiveness of the policy in meeting PBSA need. In this regard, sites identified in this report are not intended to represent an exhaustive list. Indeed, there may be other unidentified sites within appropriate locations that are therefore capable of meeting the requirements of Policy H12 as well as the Development Plan as a whole and other material considerations.

5.9. As a further sense check, we have also reviewed PBSA related policies within other key university locations across the UK (please refer to Appendix B of this document). Against this context, the policy appears robust as there are many examples of policies that seek to direct PBSA into certain locations and which set detailed criteria for the assessment of PBSA schemes within those areas.

5.10. There are some key points of note, which we recommend are reviewed further in relation to any potential evolution of the precise wording of Policy H12 which we assume will naturally happen in order to bring references up to date and maximise consistency with other Development Plan policies. These are summarised below:

• In London and most recently Nottingham, policies have been introduced which require the consideration of affordability in relation to applications for PBSA development. The Nottingham SPD identifies a contribution per bedspace (variable according to the number of bedspaces provided) with PBSA schemes across University Campuses exempt. The London Plan seeks to fast track those applications which provide 35% affordability (rising to 50% in certain low existing land value locations), otherwise applications with lower levels of affordability must be justified as an exemption through the submission and independent scrutiny of viability appraisals.
• To a greater or lesser degree many policies include some reference to design and its relationship to the wellbeing of students. Consistent with feedback from the Universities, this is certainly something that could feature in revised wording for this policy.