Recommendation 2

To date, the Government has not explained how its PDR regime fits within the wider planning system or its proposed reforms in the planning White Paper. In particular, the recent extensions to permitted development appear to contradict the increased focus on plan-led development and local democratic involvement, and to fatally undermine the role of local authorities in place-making. This raises the question: How can a local planning authority explain to local communities that its hands are tied and it cannot secure the future of its town centres? We note, too, that there is no scope for local communities to comment on permitted development schemes.