POS Welcomes Neighbourhood Planning Aspects of Localism Bill But Cautions LPAs Over Resource Implications

Date: 12/12/2010

Following the release of information about the neighbourhood planning content of the Decentralisation and Localism Bill Stephen Tapper, President of the Planning Officers Society, said "the introduction of neighbourhood plans is a welcome addition to the development planning process. It was the Society that suggested  a community right to plan which we still belive is preferable to the Government's right to build. "

John Silvester, Spokesperson for POS, commented "We do have concerns over the increased costs that LPAs will have to bear in administering the neighbourhood planning process; may be it will turn out that there will not be too many such plans so LPAs will not have too much to bear after all!"

The Society is working with the LGA to assess the likely resource implications for planning authorities; and is considering the preparation of a how to advice note to communities.

 Stephen Tapper

To see a digest of the Bill's provisions click here and the DCLG Summary

To read the Bill itself click here

A letter from the Housing Minister the Rt Hon Grant Shapps providing some information on the Community Right to Build proposals is now available: click here