DCLG appoints peer to lead review of "contradictory" planning guidance

October 17, 2012

The Department for Communities and Local Government has asked Lord Taylor of Goss Moor, a former MP, to lead an independent review of more than 6,000 pages of planning practice guidance.

“The large amount of planning practice guidance currently used – added to over the years and often contradictory – makes it difficult for residents and businesses to engage effectively with the planning system,” the DCLG said.

“This review will streamline that practical guidance to make the planning system swifter and more accessible.”

The bid to streamline planning practice guidance comes a few months after the Government published the National Planning Policy Framework, which reduced more than 1,000 pages of policy into a 47-page document. The review will not change the NPPF, however.

The other members of Lord Taylor’s review team are Simon Marsh (from the Royal Society for Protection of Birds), Andrew Whitaker (the Home Builders Federation), Trudi Elliott (the Royal Town Planning Institute) and Councillor Mike Jones (leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council).

However, the DCLG insisted that they would be sitting as individuals and not as representatives of their respective organisations.

Planning Minister Nick Boles said: "The planning system needs to be supported by practical guidance that is clear and easily accessible if it is to be effective. Even planning experts struggle to navigate the 6,000 pages of guidance that currently supports the system.”

Lord Taylor is chairman of the National Housing Federation. He was MP for Truro and St Austell for 24 years before standing down at the 2010 General Election.

The review team has been asked to make recommendations – in time for the Autumn Statement – as to:

“the scope and form of practice guidance that should be provided in future by Government to support effective planning;
what new or updated practice guidance should be published, with clear priorities; and
what DCLG guidance should be cancelled”.

“The group should also consider the scope to encourage the planning sector to produce appropriate guidance,” the DCLG said.

A revised practice guidance suite will be then be prepared.