Ministers streamline call-in policy in England

A revised policy on call-ins in England will come into force on 20 April and is designed to reduce the number of cases handled by the Secretary of State.  In line with the commitment given in the Planning White Paper in 2007, the changes will streamline the planning policy framework and give local planning authorities greater freedom in deciding their own planning applications. The changes also accord with the Killian Pretty recommendation to make the policy framework simpler and more user-friendly. The direction introduces a new requirement for local planning authorities to refer applications in circumstances where English Heritage is sustaining an objection on the grounds that a proposed development “could have an adverse impact on the outstanding universal value, integrity, authenticity and significance of a world heritage site or its setting”. Planning minister Iain Wright told Parliament: “This new direction will not affect the Secretary of State’s power under section 77 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to direct that any particular planning application should be called in for her own determination irrespective of whether it falls within the terms of this direction. It will still be open to anyone to request that any application be considered for ‘call in’.” At the same time, Communities and Local Government is cancelling a number of other planning circulars and other guidance documents which have become obsolete but have never been formally withdrawn. http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals