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Recreational access mitigation strategy (RAMS) tariff
RAMS Tariff is a payment required for new residential developments to help protect Norfolk’s sensitive nature sites from increased visitor pressure.
What is it?
The RAMS tariff is a payment required for new residential developments in Norfolk. It helps fund measures to protect sensitive nature sites like The Broads, The Wash and the Norfolk Coast from increased visitor pressure.
This supports the Green Infrastructure and Recreational Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (GIRAMS), adopted by Norfolk councils to meet legal duties under the Habitats Regulations.
Why is it needed?
New housing and accommodation can lead to more visits to protected areas, which may harm wildlife and habitats. The RAMS tariff helps manage this impact through:
- funding mitigation measures at protected sites
- providing or improving green spaces near developments
Who pays the tariff?
The tariff applies to developments that increase residential units, including:
- new homes (excluding replacements and extensions)
- student accommodation
- care homes and residential institutions (excluding nursing homes)
- hotels and tourist accommodation
- caravan sites, park homes, campsites, and residential moorings
- gypsy, traveller and showpeople plots
How much is the tariff?
For the 2025–2026 financial year, the tariff is £304.17 per dwelling. Other types of accommodation are charged proportionally:
- student accommodation: 2.5 bedspaces = 1 dwelling
- hotels: 6 bedspaces = 1 dwelling
Examples:
250 student bedspaces = £30,417
50-bed hotel = £2,534.75
Net increase of 3 dwellings = £912.51
The tariff is linked to inflation and reviewed every April.
When is it paid?
The tariff is payable when development starts and applies to:
- full applications
- change of use applications
- prior approval applications
What do I need to submit?
To validate your application, include a Unilateral Undertaking confirming the RAMS payment. A template is available. For larger developments (10+ homes), the tariff may be included in a Section 106 agreement.
What happens if I don’t pay?
If the impact on protected areas isn’t properly addressed, your application may be refused.
