Localism Bill: reform must champion the benefits of planning

10 December 2010

In recent years the planning system has been described as broken, bureaucratic and boring but in reality it is critical to securing necessary development while ensuring we can all benefit from a high quality environment.

On the eve of the publication of the Localism Bill (expected Monday 13 December) countryside campaigners are urging Ministers to champion the value of planning for delivering decisions on land use in the public interest.

The Bill proposes radical reforms, including giving more power to local people to plan for development in their areas. CPRE supports moves to get more people involved in shaping their neighbourhoods, but localism is not a panacea.

CPRE’s charter for planning reform, Making localism work for the countryside [1] sets out what we want from planning reform. We will be assessing the Bill and other planning reforms against the charter, and in particular its commitment to:

· An open and accessible planning process which makes it easy for local communities to participate

· Protection of the countryside and the wider environment, including the regeneration of urban areas

· A fairer planning appeal process, with communities being given the right to appeal against development proposals which conflict with local plans;

· Better enforcement of planning controls to prevent deliberate abuse by developers and give communities greater confidence in the system.

Neil Sinden, Policy and Campaigns Director at CPRE, says:

“Despite its critics and current weaknesses, overall the planning system is a great success story. We have it to thank for the fact that most people live only a short distance away from beautiful and tranquil countryside, or in towns and villages that retain a degree of local distinctiveness. The Government must not lose sight of what effective planning has achieved.

“The planning system needs to be rebalanced in favour of local communities and we welcome the Government’s emphasis on more local control. Communities should be encouraged to participate in drawing up neighbourhood plans, but they should also be given a right to appeal against development which conflicts with local planning policies.

“CPRE will be working to ensure that the Bill effectively empowers local people while strengthening the ability of the planning system to protect and enhance the countryside that is so important to us all, wherever we live.”

CPRE spokespeople are available to interview or give expert briefings on the publication of the Localism Bill. Please contact the CPRE press office for details.

Notes:

1. Link to: ‘Making localism work for the countryside: CPRE’s charter for planning reform’

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