An innovative approach designed to ease pressure on developers in the current economic climate is due to be discussed by Norwich City Council's executive committee on 27 May.

If approved, the draft framework for planning obligations will allow the council's planning committee to approve development proposals with a reduced level of developer contributions (section 106 funding) where there are overriding regeneration benefits.

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Councillor Brian Morrey, Executive Member for Sustainable City Development, said: "The city council is responding to the recession.

"We want to see development continue in the city, and this framework will allow us more flexibility to deal with developers who are under pressure due to the economy.

"It is designed to be used in exceptional circumstances only and will not be the norm."

The approach is intended to ensure that significant regeneration projects are still able to go ahead. In order to be eligible, developers must prove that providing the normal package of contributions would make their scheme unviable.

The draft framework was discussed at a previous executive meeting on 4 February and members agreed to consult on it.

Consultation has been carried out with developers through the developers' forum, agents, and neighbouring authorities.

(CD/JM)