Government moots further reforms in line with Killian Pretty review

Planning minister John Healey has announced a further package of measures to streamline the planning system in moves which build on reforms recommended by the Killian Pretty Review.

The proposed measures cover pre-application discussions, the use and discharge of planning conditions and the regime for statutory consultations.

In the case of the latter Communities and Local Government (CLG) has acknowledged that a fundamental overhaul of consultation arrangements is necessary.

“Our aim is to make the process more efficient and effective, by ensuring that the right bodies are consulted, on the right matters, at the right time and in a proportionate way,” said the CLG.

Healey has also confirmed that the rules for local authorities advertising planning applications in local newspapers will not change, a stance which prompted criticism from the Planning Officers Society.

The society claimed the CLG decision ignored the administrative and financial burden this requirement puts on LPAs and voiced concern over the effectiveness of newspaper advertising.

The society has written to planning minister John Healey calling for an early review of the practice.

Promised new guidance will say that as well as advertising in papers, local authorities will be required to publish information about planning applications on their websites, to ensure local residents are fully informed about planning issues in their area.

The minister said: "An efficient and cost-effective planning system is crucial for economic recovery and growth. Changing the way local authorities, businesses and agencies work together will ensure that the homes this country needs are not delayed in the planning system and the administrative burden on councils is reduced.

"Businesses also need certainty that their developments will not be delayed by red tape after planning permission has been given. By cooperating from the drawing board to the last brick being laid, proposals will get through the planning system faster and barriers that stall projects will be removed."

In a related development the British Property Federation has launched a guide, backed by the Government, which explains the benefits of planning performance agreements (PPAs).

The guide, written by law firm Denton Wilde Sapte, highlights the background to PPAs, the key points to consider when using a PPA, and some practical tips for developing one.

Download the Communities and Local Government ‘Taking forward the Government's response to the Killian Pretty Review: Second Progress Report’

Download CLG’s ‘Publicity for planning applications: Summary of responses to consultation’

 

Roger Milne

7 January 2010