More than 95 per cent of English local authorities that responded to a national survey support the idea of Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs), according to an evaluation report.
PPAs are frameworks to help local planning authorities and planning applicants agree how development proposals should be managed through the planning process and the research identified a number of clear advantages. The report was commissioned by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and the Advisory Team for Large Applications (ATLAS) and prepared by Tribal Group.
Three quarters of local authorities who responded and had experience of using PPAs thought they provided realistic and predictable timetables for applications; and almost half thought they improved the quality of the outcome on the ground.
Other key advantages highlighted by the research include a more streamlined handling of the application, greater transparency and accountability, and overall better management of the planning application process.
The use of PPAs is more common than expected given previous statistics, the research showed. A total of 73 local planning authorities indicated they had been involved in preparing a PPA.
The research also indicated that the concept was being deployed in a flexible and proportionate manner. For less complex schemes agreements are being used to identify project teams, key issues and to agree timescales. Simon Leask, head of ATLAS, commented: “The report shows that PPAs are a valued and beneficial tool in managing development. They help local authorities and applicants work in partnership, establish a shared purpose and manage the project in a clear and proportionate way.”
However, there are some barriers to take-up. When asked why they had not used them, 38 per cent of non-users suggested other approaches seemed more helpful and 31 per cent were concerned about the legal and complicated nature of the agreements. Other barriers included lack of willingness by other parties, lack of resources, and the complexity of the current guidance.
ATLAS is part of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and provides a specialist advisory service nationwide.
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