3 DEVELOPMENT CONTROL

The Government’s intention is to speed up the processing of planning applications and to improve responsiveness to the needs of the community, especially business. The Act has subsequently introduced a number of modifications to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which seek to address these issues.

In summary the Act  introduces:

• Local Development Orders – which local planning authorities can use to implement policies in a Development Plan Document with the aim of encouraging and increasing the pace of development in specific areas;
• Statements of Development Principles – which will initially supplement and may eventually replace outline planning permissions;
• Controls on Twin-tracking and Repeat Applications – giving local planning authorities the power to decline to determine such applications;
• Introduction of Simplified Planning Zones – for certain activities and areas identified by Regional Spatial Strategies;
• Reduction in the Duration of Planning Permissions – from five to three years.
• Statement of Community Involvement – which will cover not only the Local Development Framework but also how the community will be consulted on major planning applications, setting minimum standards for consultation and publicity, and developing an effective pre-application process.

4 COMPULSORY PURCHASE

The Act amends the existing power of local authorities to compulsorily acquire land that is suitable for and required in order to secure the carrying out of development, redevelopment or improvement. It must be demonstrated that such work contributes to the economic, social or environmental well-being of the area.

Additionally, the Bill makes provision for ‘loss payments’ to occupiers and owners/tenants who are not entitled to ‘home loss payments’. The purpose is to provide more generous and fairer compensation to those affected by Compulsory Purchase Orders.

5 THE PUBLIC HAVING THEIR SAY

One of the first stages of producing the new Local Development Frameworks is to submit a Statement of Community Involvement outlining how the local authority intends to consult the community on major planning issues. This will cover consultation arrangements for both the replacement of the current Development Plan and dealing with planning applications.

6 WHERE TO FROM HERE?

The Government has set an objective for all local planning authorities realising the key milestones of their first Local Development Documents by March 2007.

7 FURTHER INFORMATION & USEFUL CONTACTS

For further information about the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act contact the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister at http://odpm.gov.uk

You can also obtain up to date views on the implementation of the new planning system at the special information pages of the POS website at LDF Project

This information guide has been prepared by John Silvester, Publicity Officer & Spokesperson for the PLANNING OFFICERS SOCIETY