Is The Planning System Holding Back Development?
‘Is the planning system holding back development?’ is bound to provoke keen discussion at the next Foot Anstey property debate on 10th July in Plymouth.
Tim Jones, Director of Cattedown Regeneration and Chairman of the Devon & Cornwall Business Council and Phil Mason, Deputy chief Executive for Restormel Borough council, each coming from their different perspectives, will present their points of view followed by a debate on the issues.
Gareth Pinwell, partner at South West law firm Foot Anstey explains “The planning system is at present is under serious pressures. Developers need to obtain a consent to fit in with market conditions as quickly as possible and must be balanced with the interests of those exercising their democratic right to object to planning applications.
“Many planning applicants often feel significantly aggrieved that the process is either too slow and time consuming. For them the timescale of the process can often be the difference between taking a decision to make a significant investment in an area or seeking to invest elsewhere.
“Objectors on the other hand often feel their issues are not adequately explored.
“Local authorities are bound by an ever increasing requirement to comply with a plethora of regulations and guidance. This leads to increased burdens for those wanting to move forward and commit to developing an area.”
The recent Regional Spatial Strategy raises key issues for those delivering housing in the South West with its proposal of significant increases in current local plan allocations.
The Property Debate will ask is there a need for a significant change of approach to enable developers and local authorities to stand a chance of delivering the required numbers.
If the economic growth that the region aspires to is to become a reality, how will the current system help to achieve this?
St Austell is on the national shortlist to become an Eco Town. If it goes forward how will it be delivered to the time scales in the current system?
Tim Jones and Phil Mason, the two speakers, one from the private sector and the other from a local authority, will talk about the issues from their different perspectves. Whether the current system is adequate, requires a significant overhaul or if everyone needs to work in a different way to achieve the joint aims of the local authorities and the commercial sector for a vibrant and developing local economy.
Anyone wishing to attend the Property Debate can book online or contact Penny Eyre on 01752 675010 or by email to penny.eyre@foot-ansteys.co.uk
