Developers welcome ‘positive’ planning reforms

The British Property Federation (BPF) has welcomed planning reforms outlined in the government’s planning white paper.

Following on from Kate Barker’s report on planning last year, the white paper presented by secretary of state for communities and local government, Ruth Kelly, this afternoon, will set about introducing:

national policy statements for major infrastructure projects (MIPS) of national importance (eg energy, transport)

a simplified consents regime for MIPS

an independent planning commission to take final decisions on MIPs, being accountable to parliament

increased budget for planning aid (like legal aid)

a reform of the needs test for out-of-town development (town centre first policy to remain)

a simplified approach to residential planning, removing the costs and red-tape from putting up solar panels or conservatories

an easier and improved appeals process

Individuals will notice the improvements by not having to pay up to £1000 to lodge planning applications to modify their homes, but the real difference will be seen on a national level, with the independent planning commission established to ensure major schemes do not suffer costly delays.

While environmental activists will claim that the views of local people are being ignored, the new planning body will be fully accountable to parliament, with all sides able to respond through a direct appeals process, making use of the increased planning aid budget.

The property industry is delighted that the government is working to minimise the administrative burden and costly delays caused by the country’s planning system, which is ill suited in dealing with MIPs, although clearly the proof will be seen in how it works on the ground.

The industry is keen to see a wholly representative planning commission, with appropriate levels of authority regarding decision making,

Faraz Baber, director for planning and regeneration policy at the BPF, said: “The raft of announcements are a positive step to delivering an efficient planning system and taking the difficult decisions that must be made on major developments. The true test will lie in the government’s ability to form the national policy statements and the independent planning commission’s ability to take and implement its decisions, having them stand up in court. We welcome any move to speed up projects vital to the social or economic wellbeing of the country, which currently could take years to get consent for, never mind completion.”