Planning News Issue 47

Changes to the Planning System!

The Government has introduced radical changes to the current planning system in England and Wales including:-

• Altering the life of planning permissions
• Introduction of new powers for Local Planning Authorities (LPA) to cold shoulder repeat planning applications
• Introduction of new procedures for major infrastructure projects
• A requirement for an economic impact report for major developments proposals
• A requirement for statutory consultees to respond to applications within a set period
• A requirement for Local planning Authorities to consult regional planning bodies

Life of planning permissions

In the past developers have had 5 years within which to implement a planning permission before it lapses. This will now be reduced to 3 years for applications received after 24 August.

Repeat applications

The reforms to the system also give the Local Planning Authority powers to refuse to determine overlapping applications, where a similar application is under consideration by the Authority or where a similar application has been granted, refused, or not determined by the authority within the statutory period, and the time for appeal has not yet expired.

In addition the new legislation also gives the Local Planning Authority the discretion to decline to determine an application, which is the same, or largely the same as an application refused in the pvious two years, if it is considered that there has been no significant changes in the circumstances.

Major Infrastructure Projects

The new legislation also aims to speed up the process for determining major infrastructure projects (of national or regional importance) by enabling different elements of a major public enquiry to be considered at the same time by different inspectors. The Secretary of State under the new Act also has the power to call in any applications if he thinks are of national or regional importance.

Economic Impact Reports for major applications

Under the reforms, there will also be a new requirement for an economic impact report to be submitted for major developments of national or regional significance.

Consultation

The new Act also provides for the Secretary of State to impose a duty on all statutory consultees to respond within a set period on p and post application consultations. The aim of this is to provide for the speedier submission of the information necessary to determine an application.

Regional Consultation

There will also be a requirement for local planning authorities to consult regional planning bodies where a planning application could effect the implementation of the Regional Spatial Strategy.

You can find out more here www.planningportal.gov.uk.

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