Healey vows to cut red tape for developers and lighten planning load for councils

The government unveiled a package of measures this week designed to streamline the planning process and cut the administrative burden for councils.

The package, which will come into force in 2010, includes proposed guidance that would see councils and developers work together before applications are submitted, and ensure developments are assessed quickly.

“The new approach will give developers clarity about the decision-making process, and local authorities’ certainty about when and how developments will be delivered,” the Department for Communities and Local Government said.

Other planned reforms include:

• A reduction in the number of conditions councils impose on planning permissions and faster approval of conditions when they are met;
• Changes to the way the Environment Agency, English Heritage and other bodies are involved in the planning process; and
• New rules to improve the performance of agencies and other key bodies, ensuring that they are involved earlier in the process and information is provided more quickly.

Housing and Planning Minister John Healey said: “An efficient and cost-effective planning system is crucial for economic recovery and growth.  Changing the way local authorities, businesses and agencies work together will ensure that the homes this country needs are not delayed in the planning system and the administrative burden on councils is reduced.

“Businesses need certainty that their developments will not be delayed by red tape after planning permission has been given.  By cooperating from the drawing board to the last brick being laid, proposals will get through the planning system faster and barriers that stall projects will be removed.”

The DCLG claims that the changes will save businesses £11m and local authorities up to £25m annually.

The latest measures follow changes introduced earlier this year that reduced the amount of information applicants have to submit with their planning applications, and allowed businesses, shops and schools to make minor alterations and extensions to planning permissions.