Parliamentary Bulletin March 2008

1.   Consultation on reform of the planning system

A review of the planning system 'Planning Applications: a faster and more responsive system', designed to get rid of bureaucratic hurdles and speed up the process for the public and business has been announced by DCLG and DBERR. This review will look at the next challenge of improving the planning application process from problems of unnecessary paperwork to delays after permission has been granted.

Planning Aid funding is being doubled to £3.2 million this year, to enable people to access   free independent advice to help them comment on proposals, make representations at inquiries, or submit successful planning applications.

The review will examine what can disrupt the progress of an application from when it is submitted up to and beyond when a decision is made, and will be carried out by Joanna Killian, Chief Executive of Essex County Council and David Pretty, former Group Chief Executive of Barratt Developments PLC.

Some of the issues likely to be addressed include:

• Unnecessary duplication of paperwork in the application process.
• Delays occurring even after permission has been granted because pre-build conditions like construction schedules and legal steps are not being resolved quickly.
• Councils making better use of technology like the internet to notify people about planning applications.

It will specifically:

• Examine where bottlenecks and delays occur and explore with stakeholders, such as local authorities, how the application process can be improved. For example by improving the pre and post application phases to free up councils to consider cases sooner.
• Look at how technology such as e-planning can improve the process for people and planners.
• Look at how a more proportionate system could better reflect the impact of a development
• Consider how statutory consultees like Highways Agency, Environment Agency and Natural England engage sooner with the application process.
  

To take part in the review or to get further details contact   reviewofplanningapplicationprocess@communities.gsi.gov.uk

2. Consultation on the future of building control

DCLG has issued a consultation paper on the future of building control. The paper acknowledges that the current system has worked well, in that there have been comparatively few disasters.   It can only be people of a certain age who drive round East London and immediately think 'Ronan Point'!    Nevertheless, there is now a need to update the system. For example, there is a need to include current standards of sustainability.   The consultation runs until 10 th June and further details are on the DCLG website.

As if the mayoral election were not exciting enough, Ruth Kelly has ratcheted up the political heat of the capital by announcing new powers for the Mayor of London.

2.1 Planning

The London Plan will form the starting point for the public examination and will be able to direct changes to borough's Local Development Schemes.   The Mayor will have the discretion to determine planning applications of strategic importance.

The Mayor will be the lead party for s106 matters on those applications he decides as planning authority.   The Mayor will have statutory consultee status on applications made to local planning authorities outside London that could have an impact on strategic planning matters in the capital.

2.2 Housing

The Mayor will be required to produce a Statutory Housing Strategy for London and a strategic housing investment plan. The responsibilities of the London Housing Board will transfer to the Mayor. This includes deciding in broad terms how public money for new affordable housing will be spent

2.3 Waste

The Mayor will have discretion to decide those planning applications for waste facilities that are strategically important The Mayor will lead a London Waste and Recycling Forum in conjunction with stakeholders to improve performance on waste. The forum will manage a new London Waste and Recycling Fund

So whoever wins the Mayoral contest one thing is certain, strife between boroughs and the strategic body for London will be back on the agenda.

As we are in the run up to the local elections I thought this inspirational quote deserves an airing.

"Democracy is being allowed to vote for the candidate you dislike least."

Robert Byrne

Baroness Liz Barker
Meeting Place Communications 2008