Recommendations & Conclusions
4 items
4
Conclusion
Third Report - Permitted Development Ri…
Accepted in Part
The prior approval process is the principal mechanism by which local planning authorities can control permitted development in their areas, and we welcome the recent inclusion of more criteria, but we are concerned about its increasing complexity and the consequent impact on councils’ resources. This tension— between setting necessary limits …
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The prior approval process is the principal mechanism by which local planning authorities can control permitted development in their areas, and we welcome the recent inclusion of more criteria, but we are concerned about its increasing complexity and the consequent impact on councils’ resources. This tension— between setting necessary limits on the PDR regime and the negative impacts of greater complexity—is difficult to resolve. The efficacy of permitted development depends on whether it can speed up planning decisions and make the outcomes more predictable for developers. The expanded use of prior approval unavoidably compromises its ability to do this. It also places a burden on local authorities that is not commensurate with the fees charged, and at a time when their resources are already strained and they are therefore not equipped to provide a quick service. (Paragraph 34) 38 Permitted Development Rights
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges local authority resource and complexity challenges with prior approval. It states it has consulted on fee increases for prior approval and is working with stakeholders to develop interventions to build capacity and skills within local planning authorities. It also commits to considering …
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
5
Recommendation
Third Report - Permitted Development Ri…
Accepted in Part
As we have already recommended, the Government should review the role of permitted development rights in the planning system. As part of that review, it should consider how to amend the prior approval process to both simplify it and give local authorities the tools they need to shape their communities …
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As we have already recommended, the Government should review the role of permitted development rights in the planning system. As part of that review, it should consider how to amend the prior approval process to both simplify it and give local authorities the tools they need to shape their communities in line with Local Plans. In addition, the Government should calculate the cost to local authorities of processing prior approval applications and increase the fees accordingly.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges local authority resource and complexity challenges with prior approval. It states it has consulted on fee increases for prior approval and is working with stakeholders to develop interventions to build capacity and skills within local planning authorities. It also commits to considering …
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
8
Recommendation
Third Report - Permitted Development Ri…
Accepted in Part
We broadly welcome the new use class E, as we can see the advantages of greater flexibility, but it should not permit development to bypass the sequential test or risk the loss of medical centres. As we have already recommended, the Government should review the role of permitted development rights …
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We broadly welcome the new use class E, as we can see the advantages of greater flexibility, but it should not permit development to bypass the sequential test or risk the loss of medical centres. As we have already recommended, the Government should review the role of permitted development rights within the planning system. As part of that review, we recommend it consider amending the use class regime to prevent out-of-town commercial and business premises from being converted to retail without having first gone through the sequential test and to prevent the loss of medical centres through change of use within the new use class E.
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Government response AI summary
The government defends Class E's flexibility regarding sequential tests but notes a proposed review of town and out-of-centre development. It claims existing rights already provide protection for health centres and nurseries through local prior approval, addressing part of the recommendation without committing to specific amendments.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
14
Recommendation
Third Report - Permitted Development Ri…
Accepted in Part
Whatever the Government’s long-term plans for permitted development and the Infrastructure Levy, we recommend it legislate as soon as possible to ensure that permitted development contributes towards the cost of providing the infrastructure and affordable housing needed to offset any negative impact on the local community. (Paragraph 91) Permitted Development …
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Whatever the Government’s long-term plans for permitted development and the Infrastructure Levy, we recommend it legislate as soon as possible to ensure that permitted development contributes towards the cost of providing the infrastructure and affordable housing needed to offset any negative impact on the local community. (Paragraph 91) Permitted Development Rights 41
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Government response AI summary
The government is addressing the recommendation through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which establishes a framework for the new Infrastructure Levy. It is currently consulting on the detailed design of the Levy, including whether it will apply to permitted development rights, to ensure contributions …
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government