Amending planning system without proper alternative risks economy

Already, with Eric Pickles announcement in his letter to Chief Planners dated 27th May outlining that Regional Strategies have been abolished, changes are rapid and are affecting many of Ideal Property Finders clients and contacts, for more information on this letter or advice on Town Planning please do not hestitate to contact us here at IPF.

The Royal Town Planning Institute has responded to the Government’s announcement in the Queen’s Speech of a ‘Decentralisation and Localism Bill’, warning that summary abolition of major parts of the planning system without a viable alternative in place puts economic recovery at risk.

In particular the Institute is concerned that the Government’s proposals to abolish regional planning are based mainly on an objection to imposed regional housing targets rather than to the principle of strategic planning.

The Institute strongly advocates the need for strategic-level planning that co-ordinates development and infrastructure between different areas, provides a wide range of environmental policies, and ensures that the needs of the wider than local community are properly addressed.

Ann Skippers, President of the Royal Town Planning Institute said:

“Moves towards giving local communities more power are welcome; but we feel there is a real danger in hastily abolishing regional planning.

It is important that the Government realises that strategic planning did not begin in 1997, but has been a vital part of our system for over half a century, with areas like the West Midlands benefiting since 1955.It is vital to have a level of strategic planning between local councils and national government to ensure proper co-ordination across council boundaries.

The hasty abolition of regional planning will leave a vacuum in terms of the policy needed to give the certainty to take major investment decisions that will help get us out of recession.

There is great potential in the principle of localism; but we will be urging the Government to ensure that planning at the larger-than-local level is embedded in the system.

Furthermore if councils are to be given extra responsibilities, it is absolutely vital that they are properly resourced to deliver the new localism; our concern is that impending public spending cuts will severely hinder the retention of key planning expertise and skills, which are vital to ensuring the nation’s economic recovery.”

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