The reforms contained in the new procedural guide for planning appeals are extraordinarily short-sighted, and will have a corrosive effect on the planning process for ordinary people across the country. In weakening appeals, councils will be granted a ‘planner’s charter’ to unreasonably and unnecessarily refuse applications with no fear of repercussion. And, rather than ‘streamline’ the planning process, these reforms will likely increase the already unreasonable bureaucratic overhead placed on both applicants and planners alike.
The latest statistics regarding Camden’s housing delivery show a significant shortfall against their mandated requirement in the Local Plan. Until this shortfall is rectified, Camden planners have reduced powers to refuse major development proposals.
The reforms contained in the new procedural guide for planning appeals are extraordinarily short-sighted, and will have a corrosive effect on the planning process for ordinary people across the country. In weakening appeals, councils will be granted a ‘planner’s charter’ to unreasonably and unnecessarily refuse applications with no fear of repercussion. And, rather than ‘streamline’ the planning process, these reforms will likely increase the already unreasonable bureaucratic overhead placed on both applicants and planners alike.
A 5-year review of a sample of 96 commercial sites finds 48% with an outstanding planning breach. For every breach resolved, 3 further were committed.
Our letter critiquing mooted reforms to the regulatory regime was published in the Architects’ Journal.
An appeal and two planning applications later, the originally refused scheme is now approved in full with very minor alterations.
The latest statistics regarding Camden’s housing delivery show a significant shortfall against their mandated requirement in the Local Plan. Until this shortfall is rectified, Camden planners have reduced powers to refuse major development proposals.