Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM)
The West Suffolk Recreational Disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Study sets out the mitigation requirements relating to the recreational impacts (associated with new development) on the important nature conservation sites in and around the district.
The study identifies zones of influence for each of the sites (European sites and sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs)). Mitigation measures will be funded through developer contributions.
The SAMM contribution is a financial contribution towards recreational access management and monitoring of visitor pressure at sensitive nature conservation sites.
SAMM includes measures such as increased ranger presence, that can be targeted to the areas and locations that are most vulnerable within the Brecks.
Where SAMM financial contribution applies
The standard approach to identifying likely significant effects and the area within which mitigation might be required is to establish a zone of influence, based on visitor survey data and applied as a buffer around the boundary of the European site. A 26.3km buffer has been applied to the Brecks special protection ares (SPA) which covers the majority of the district.
The zone of influence where the tariff applies is identified on Map 2 – Overall single tariff area, shown in the West Suffolk Recreational Disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Study.
The study details at section four the types of development required to pay the SAMM contribution.
A single charge of £391.97 per dwelling is applied to all relevant types of development within the zone of influence.
The tariff will be revised annually to reflect inflation and will be subject to regular review. Any revisions to the tariff will be published on the council’s website.
How to pay SAMM contribution
The quickest and simplest way to pay the standard tariff of £391.97 per dwelling is via our online Recreational Disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation SAMM Contribution payment form.
If you are unable to pay via the online form please download and complete the SAMM upfront payment form and make payment by BACS to the bank details given on the form. The form should be emailed to PGSupport@Westsuffolk.gov.uk
Section 106 Planning Obligations (s106)
Where a Section 106 agreement is required for a planning permission, the payment can be included with the other obligations, with the contributions to be paid prior to commencement of the related development. A minimum legal fee and s106 monitoring fee will also be paid upon signing the s106.