Thursday 12 September 2013

Don't Delay - Implement those Planning Permissions or Risk Losing Them

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Nick Boles) has indicated that the coalition Government have taken a series of steps to ensure a streamlined, easy-to-use planning system. A number of statutory instruments to make planning practice swifter and simpler are being laid this week.

Appeals

Reforms are being introduced from 1 October 2013 that mean that appeal decisions can be taken sooner, while ensuring the process remains fair.

A new commercial appeals service, closely modelled on the successful householder appeals service, will introduce an expedited procedure for some minor commercial appeals such as those relating to advertisement consent or shop fronts, allowing decisions to be made in only eight weeks.

These moves will "front-load" the appeals system by requiring appellants to submit their full statement of case when they appeal, and at the same time submit a draft statement of common ground for hearings or inquiries.

Local planning authorities will need to notify interested parties within one week, and submit their own case within five weeks. The Planning Inspectorate will set earlier dates for hearings and inquiries.

Where appeals are allowed, development will be able to commence sooner, bringing forward much needed jobs and growth. 

Planning Permissions

In October 2012, a temporary measure that was introduced by the previous Government to enable applicants to seek more time to implement a planning permission was extended by 12 months. This temporary measure will not be extended further.

To complement the £1 billion Government are investing to get stalled sites moving again and help to reduce the 60,500 sites that are currently on hold this measure will encourage developments to start on site promptly once planning permission is granted. So when the current extension expires at the end of the month, you will have to implement any latent planning permissions or risk losing them and having to start all over again. 

There are a number of other minor measures but these two key changes bear consideration, particularly the removal of extension opportunities. 
 
If you require advice on outstanding planning approvals or future planning appeals then do please contact me.

ianbutter@ruralurbanplanning.co.uk    Tel: 07860 684604