POS response to street vote development orders consultation

02 February 2024

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There are many details which have not been considered as part of this consultation. Pos Has the following technical questions; 

• Will these be allowed in areas where PD rights withdrawn? 
• LPAs should have an opportunity to input to the process before submitting representations to the Secretary of State. LPAs could have helpful evidence which the community may not be awarded until the examination process which may be in written representation format. 
• How would that sit next to a site which submits for traditional PD instead of using street vote order? 
• It is not clear how street votes could site within the neighbourhood planning process? Is there the opportunity for communities to win track although the processes are very different? This should be considered. 
• How would it work if all 10 homes and are in one land ownership. For example a new housing development for 1000 homes built out in phased delivery and a housebuilder or other agent looks to new occupiers for a street votes including rear dormer extensions, balconies, out buildings, upward extensions on blocks of flats. Any of these or a combination could change the nature of the original planning permission and importantly the overall number of homes could increase without the proportionate number of affordable homes and infrastructure. There is a risk that this process creates loopholes and need to be considered to avoid unintended consequences and tension in communities or between house builders and LPAs.

POS is concerned that this proposal undermines the value of strategic planning and conservation area management appraisals. It is unlikely to have the unintended consequence of reducing morale in LPAs as the consultation does not place any value on a professional planning assessments of the material balance of the proposals. The current Local Development Order process is based on evidence and engagement with the community and stakeholders. This process cherry picks throughout the process and is likely to lead to division. The government needs to consider how this would sit with the message that there should be a plan led system. 

Any new burdens need to have a fee or income revenue to support the resources of consultation, administration, answering queries and complaints as well as supporting the community and politicians throughout the process. This seems to be underestimated that many in the community will go staring to the LA rather than the SoS with any questions concerns or complaints. 

The Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities consultation can be found here