Radical changes to the Planning System – still under the radar!

Scheduled to come into effect early in 2012, the Localism Bill appears to be quietly under most peoples radar. However, this Bill contains an array of far reaching legislative changes. It is the coalition Government’s main initiative to decentralise power and give new rights to Local Government, Parish Councils and Local Community Groups. Amongst other things this Bill will radically change the current planning system giving local communities the ability to shape the development of their surroundings.

“Local plans” developed by parish councils, neighbourhood and community groups will create local planning rules. These will be voted on in local referendums. Subject to meeting certain safeguards and getting the votes of 50 percent of the community in a local referendum, communities will also get a “right to build” that enables them to authorise development without planning permission.

In addition to decentralising power, the object of these changes is to reduce beaurocracy and, to this end, new local plans will be shielded from intervention from above – the Planning Inspectorate will only judge whether plans are “sound,” and suggest changes if the local authority requests them.

It is essential to be aware of these proposed changes to the planning system. They will be upon us very soon and will undoubtedly change the way a developer needs to approach a potential new development. Even a large -scale developer will be forced to consult local people before submitting planning applications, enabling early-stage input.