Following a general appeal by the PM, England’s Chief Planning Officer Steve Quartermain has written to local planning authorities asking them to consider the ways in which their planning powers can be used to support businesses and shops to restore premises which have recently suffered damage.
PM speaking in the debate on the riots, said: ‘A specific point was raised with me in Wolverhampton yesterday—that planning regulations make it difficult for shops to put up protective shutters. We will weed out unnecessary planning regulations to ensure that businesses can get back on their feet and feel secure as quickly as possible.’
Following this, Chief Planner at DCLG Steve Quartermain has written to Chief Planning Officers in England as follows:
PLANNING SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES AND SHOPS
The events of the past week have left many businesses, particularly shops, damaged and in need of assistance to get back on their feet. Where damage has occurred it will be in everyone’s interest to restore premises and bring them fully back into use as quickly as possible. Following the Prime Minister’s statement yesterday, I am writing to ask local planning authorities to consider the ways in which their planning powers can address these issues.
Where planning permission is needed, for example, for rebuilding work or new security shutters, I ask that you prioritise the processing of these planning applications. In the majority of cases, officer determination under delegated powers will be appropriate.
It is important to ensure that a balance is struck between security and protecting the look and character of our high streets. In addition, the overall street scene should be a welcoming environment at night. In this context, it may be helpful to refer businesses to any planning policies or guidance on shop fronts and security shutters.
You may also wish to consider making Local Development Orders to grant automatic planning permission for the installation of security shutters or alterations or extensions to shops. Local Development Orders can be prepared swiftly, are flexible in that they can grant permission for specific development in specified areas, and can be time-limited. The enclosed flowchart sets out the process for making a Local Development Order.
Finally, we also propose to consult on whether security shutters and other security measures should be permitted development.
If you need any further information, please contact Siobhan Fox (0303 444 1709 or siobhan.fox@communities.gsi.gov.uk).
For the PM’s speech see: LINK
DCMS Publications: LINK
Planning Blog: LINK
