The Government has launched proposals to make planning applications more straightforward.
A consultation document setting out the scope to make the information requirements for planning applications clearer, simpler and more proportionate has been published by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
These proposals include:
1. Cutting out unnecessary information in the application process to make the system clearer, and easier to use, without undermining the ability for councils to make well-informed decisions. A consultation setting out proposals is being published today.
2. Following the approach of the National Planning Policy Framework in distilling 1,000 pages of policy into around 50, the next challenge is to review around 6,000 pages of supporting planning guidance. Details of the approach to be taken will be announced shortly.
3. Speeding up the process for determining planning appeals – proposals on shortening and streamlining the process will be published for consultation later this year.
4. Uprating local councils’ planning fees in line with inflation thereby reducing the burden on ordinary council taxpayers, who otherwise end up subsidising developers. Planning fees are set by Government and have not been increased since 2008.
5. Ensuring councils whose planning decisions are consistent with an up to date local plan are not ordinarily liable for costs if their decision is appealed.
6. Making technical changes to the operation of the Community Infrastructure Levy including ensuring that developers are not charged the levy twice, on the same development, if they amend existing planning consent.
7. Extending the funding to April 2013 to the four organisations providing advice and support to communities leading the way on neighbourhood planning.
Minister Greg Clark said: ‘Our reforms to the planning system are making it simpler, clearer and more accessible to people in communities. Following the simplification of the national planning policy in the National Planning Policy Framework, these proposed changes streamline the process of applying for planning permission. Our aim is to have a system that applicants and members of communities can be confident will give a reliable, swift and fair outcome.’
In a related move the Government is acting to make sure that that local authorities, communities and planning inspectors can rely on the information contained in applications.
Read the consultation on simplifying planning applications at: LINK
Search Planning Portal: LINK
