GLD Vacancies

Cornerstone Planning

Use local development orders to boost regeneration: IDeA

The Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) has called on local authorities to consider using local development orders in a bid to kick-start local regeneration programmes.

The Planning Advisory Service, part of IDeA, has asked for planning officers to put their councils forward for the second phase of pilot projects, which will involve seven authorities.

The LDO process gives officers the power to allow developments to go ahead without the need for a planning application, if they can see that the proposals meet previously agreed criteria.

The five pilot projects already underway are:

  • Cornwall: the unitary authority is piloting using an LDO in conjunction with a parish or town council based design guide to encourage greater engagement by the local councils in planning
  • London Development Agency: a partnership between the Thames Gateway Development Corporation and the London boroughs of Barking and Dagenham and Havering is looking to use an LDO to support a district heating network
  • Hertsmere Borough Council: the local authority is looking to regenerate Borehamwood town centre and assist in the success of the television and film industry
  • Southampton City Council: in partnership with the Southampton University Hospital Trust, the council is basing its LDO on a master plan for the major refurbishment of the general hospital
  • Wycombe District Council: to combat the high rate of empty shop units in High Wycombe, the local authority is consulting on a policy to allow changes of use through an LDO.


Councillor Ian Swithenbank, chairman of IDeA, said: “Research carried out for the Planning Advisory Service found that local development orders could provide a positive solution for councils in a variety of development situations. In this time of economic pressure, it will be councils who can take the initiative with developers to bring change, and this is another positive way forward.”

The deadline for expressions of interest is 8 February 2010, with funds available from April.