The Council has proposed, in the PDCS (14-page / 496 KB PDF), to divide the borough into three charging zones for residential developments. In the 'higher rate zone', which covers the east of the Council's administrative area, including Saddleworth North, Saddleworth South, Saddleworth West and Lees, rates of £80 per sq m for 'market houses' and £45 per sq m for 'market apartments' have been proposed.
A charge of £30 per sq m has been proposed for 'market houses' in the 'moderate rate zone', which covers the north-west of the administrative area, including Chadderton Central, Chadderton North, Crompton, Royton North and Shaw. In the 'lower rate zone', which covers the rest of the Council's administrative area, a nil rate levy has been proposed for 'market houses'.
The PDCS has also proposed to charge different rates for retail developments of different descriptions. Supermarket developments would attract a charge of £160 per sq m; retail warehouses would be charged £70 per sq m; and neighbourhood convenience shops would be charged £20 per sq m under the PDCS.
All other uses would attract a nil rate levy under the PDCS.
The public consultation ends on 27 February. The Council said it expects a draft charging schedule to be published for consultation in late summer.