Foot Anstey Property Forum: Is The Planning System Holding Back Development?
On 10 July, Foot Anstey held the third of their quarterly property forums in conjunction with the Western Morning News. The event was held at the Levinsky Building at the University of Plymouth and the debate centred on the issue as to whether the current planning system is holding back development.
Two speakers; Tim Jones, director of development company Belstone Fox Limited, and Phil Mason, deputy chief executive of Restormel Borough Council, presented their views on the proposition and it was followed by an open and frank exchange of views from the delegates. Both speakers maintained a position that the current system could deliver if there was a greater understanding of the respective positions of developers and the Local Authority.
One of the principal areas discussed concerned a more participative and holistic approach to major schemes with central government agencies, such as the Environment Agency and Highways Agency, having a much more interactive and participative role earlier in the development of a major scheme rather than performing the role of a bare consultee.
It was also agreed that the whole planning process would benefit from meaningful and direct pre-application advice from authorities which should lead to a shorter time scale to determine applications.
There was general discussion concerning the role of local elected members in the decision making process. Such a change would extend the need to consider effective training for members to perform their role as decision makers and in their role of offering views on design issues in respect of major schemes.
If larger schemes are to be accelerated through the process, a view was expressed that minor householder applications may need to be determined through a different system. This could be achieved through an extension to definitions of permitted development or considering a new role for local councils supported by a mediator determining those minor applications.
If you would like to know more about the issues discussed contact Gareth Pinwell, a partner in the Planning team at Foot Anstey on 01392 685341.
The next Foot Anstey Property Forum is scheduled for the Autumn, publicity for the event will be released shortly.
Published 11/07/2008
