Essex Coast Recreational Disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (RAMS)

The RAMS Supplementary Planning Document - May 2020 (SPD) sets out guidance that will apply when determining planning applications for new housing development, which includes a financial contribution of £163.86 per dwelling (for the financial year 2024/25). This will be updated each year in line with the Retail Price Index.

The RAMS payment applies to all residential development within a catchment area known as the Zone of Influence (ZoI) as set out in the SPD. You can check which zone your development falls in on the RAMS ZoI Map.

RAMS ZoI Map (PDF) [5MB]

RAMS Online Payment

RAMS contributions can be paid online using the link below. We will not be able to decide your application without either an upfront payment or securing a Unilateral Undertaking that will secure payment prior to the commencement of the development.  

Please follow this link to pay the RAMS tariff: Pay Your RAMS Online

The upfront RAMS payments are refundable in the event planning permission is refused, an appeal is dismissed, or the development is not implemented. You can make a claim for a refund six months after the date of decision, which is the time limit for lodging an appeal. If you do not wish to appeal the refusal of permission, you can make an immediate claim for a refund.

To claim your refund, please email the Planning Obligations Team and quote your application reference.

RAMS Unilateral Undertaking

If you do not wish to make an upfront RAMS payment, you will require a legal agreement or a Unilateral Undertaking (UU) to secure future payment of the obligation. You will be required to complete a UU when requested by the Council, following a recommendation for the grant of planning permission. The UU confirms that the full RAMS contribution will be paid prior to the commencement of the development.

Supporting Information

On Thursday, 22nd October 2020, Basildon Borough Council formally adopted the Essex Coast Recreational Disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (RAMS) as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The SPD is now a material consideration in the determination of relevant planning applications within Basildon Borough.

The RAMS SPD was the subject of public consultation between January and February 2020, and has since been revised in response to the comments received. A supporting consultation report titled 'You Said, We Did' has been produced which outlines consultation arrangements, responses, the main issues raised and the resulting proposed amendments to the SPD.

Chelmsford City Council will manage and administer all the developer contributions towards RAMS on behalf of all the Essex authorities by acting as the accountable body for a period of three years, following the ratification of a 'Partnership Agreement'.

The RAMS SPD and associated documentation is set out in the following downloadable documents:

• Basildon Council - Notice of the adoption of the Essex Coast RAMS Strategy - October 2020 (PDF) [262KB] (opens new window)
• Essex Coast Recreational Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy - Supplementary Planning Document - May 2020 (PDF) [1006KB] (opens new window)
• Essex Coast Recreational Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy SPD - You Said We Did - Consultation Report April 2020 (PDF) [1MB] (opens new window)
• Essex Coast Recreational Disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy - Habitats Regulations Assessment Strategy 2018-2038 (PDF) [2MB] (opens new window)