DoE 22/80 and WO 40/80 (28 November 1980)
This circular provides a discussion of some fundamental issues affecting the operation of control over the development of land. It is based on the assumption that the need for a system balancing environmental, economic and social considerations is unquestioned, but that when it works badly or slowly the system has a price.
The themes it focuses on are efficiency and speed in decisions, not requiring too much detail from applicants, public accountability, supporting business activity especially small businesses, restrained use of aesthetic control and enforcement procedures, and finding alternative uses for historic buildings.
An annex discusses the problems of obtaining planning permission for private sector house-building.
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