As the Hugh Ellis of the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) has argued that the new residential Permitted Development (PD) rights in England represent the ‘heart of darkness’ in its planning system, IHBC Chair Mike Brown notes that the problems go even further.
Mike Brown commented, ‘I fear Hugh Ellis is more right than he knows as the ‘darkness at the heart of Permitted Development Rights’ extends much further than the ‘office-to-residential’ issue.’
‘As all practicing conservation officers and local amenity society members know, the unfettered exercise of PD Rights is, inch by inch, destroying much of the special interest, character and appearance of Britain’s conservation areas. Yet many Chief Planners remain opposed to the introduction of Article 4 directions which would bring such minor development within their control.’
‘The fear of the extra casework – which would not attract a fee – at a time of deep service cuts and the potential for claims for compensation are apparently of greater concern than the loss of our nation’s heritage. Given that most householder ‘improvements’ are carried out to enhance property values and profits, it is time for the Government to look again at the need for adequate fees to support Development Management functions and, at the same time couple-up designations and the removal of PD rights. Perhaps then, the future of our conservation areas might be placed on a proper footing and the current ‘death by a thousand plastic windows and doors’ be stopped’.
For Ellis’ comments see Planning Resource
