'An end to the waiting game' for planning decisions

Further reform of the planning system has been announced by the Government: 'a new red tape busting review' will cover the planning application process from start to finish.

The announcement on March 25 was made jointly by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears, Business Secretary John Hutton and Housing and Planning Minister Caroline Flint. Amenity groups will fear the outcome may be reduced opportunity for members of the public to object to planning applications. Ministers stressed the aim was not 'to shift the balance of decision making, weaken important safeguards, or reduce public consultation'; and simultaneously doubled the funding for Planning Aid.

The review will be conducted by Joanna Killian (Chief Executive of Essex County Council and formerly with the Audit Commission) and David Pretty (Chairman of the New Homes Marketing Board and formerly Group Chief Executive of housebuilders Barratt Developments). They can be contacted at:
reviewofplanningapplicationprocess@communities.gsi.gov.uk. The announcement did not give a date for completion of the review.

Local authorities are already significantly quicker at handling applications, with 75% meeting their performance targets, up from 25% in 2001. However, the Government believes there are still slow and cumbersome parts of the process, from unnecessary paperwork to delays after permission has been granted. The review will examine case studies to see where bottlenecks and delays occur.
It will
- look at how information technology can improve the process for people and planners, possibly using the internet as 'the best way to notify the public of development in some circumstances'
- look at how a 'more proportionate system' for supporting material 'could better reflect the impact of a development'
- consider how statutory consultees like Highways Agency, Environment Agency and Natural England could engage sooner with the application process.

Planning Aid will now receive £3.2 million this year. Ministers claimed the extra money will 'enable more people to benefit from free independent advice to help them comment on proposals, make representations at inquiries, or submit a good planning application'. Planning Aid (info@planningaidforlondon@org.uk) provides free advice to all callers and more detailed assistance to eligible individuals and groups. It also runs an outreach programme of 'Community Planning' in each region of the UK, to identify and assist groups who have previously been excluded from the planning system or are disadvantaged from years of not 'having a voice'.

The announcement referred to the review as exploring 'with stakeholders, such as local authorities, how the application process can be improved', but made no mention of consultation with bodies which can speak for the general public. Londonforum will be considering how the interests and concerns of amenity and civic societies in London can best be brought to the attention of the review team, either through the Civic Trust or direct.

10 April 2008