Planning: Can localism work in your area?

Dr Michael HarrisDeputy Head of Policy & Research

John RomanskiSenior Neighbourhood Planning Advisor,Planning Aid England

• Responsibility of local planning authority• Must be rooted in sound evidence• Community involvement a statutory

requirement• Provide context for decision making on

proposals• Provide certainty to developers and community• Represents a discretionary system –

adherence does not give automatic permission (e.g. not US-style zoning)

Local plans – Main principles

• Core strategy outlining vision and general policies • Site allocations for development and

infrastructure• Area action plans for areas of significant change• Supplementary planning documents• Statement of Community Involvement• Local Development Scheme sets timescale for

preparation

Local plans – Components

• Genuinely plan-led• Promote ‘sustainable development’• Take account of different roles/character of areas• Seeking high quality design and amenities• Support the transition to a low carbon future• Encourage the effective use of land• Promote mixed use developments• Contribute to conserving/enhancing environment• Actively manage growth to make fullest possible

use of public transport, walking and cycling

NPPF – Core principles

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National Planning Policy Statements and Guidance (PPSs and PPGs)

Regional Spatial Strategies

Local Development Framework, which includes the Core Strategy

Planning Application

Possible appeal If application refused

Development

Feedback to the policy process

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National Planning Policy Statements and Guidance (PPS & PPGs)

Regional Spatial Strategy

Sub - Regional Studies

Local Plan (Local Development Framework)

Proposed Neighbourhood Plans

Planning Application

Possible appeal If application refused (PINs)

DevelopmentFeedback to the policy process

Duty to Co-operate

Joint Working

National Planning Policy Framework

• Must be based on ‘sound’ evidence- Meets local development needs- Reflects local people’s views

• In accordance with the NPPF• Will go through ‘examination’• Assessed by government appointed inspector• Formerly ‘adopted’ by the LPA• Planning applications/appeals determined in

accordance with them

How are they produced?

• Must be based upon cooperation with:- Neighbouring authorities- Public sector- Private sector- Voluntary sector

What else?

• Section 110 of the Localism Act• Paragraph 156 and 178-181 of the NPPF• Needed following planned abolition of

Regional Plans• Used to ensure strategic planning across

boundaries (‘larger than local’) is delivered

Duty to Cooperate

• Relates to sustainable development or use of land that would have a significant impact on at least two local planning areas or on a planning matter that falls within the remit of a county council

• Requires that councils set out planning policies to address such issues

• Requires that councils and public bodies ‘engage constructively, actively and on an on-going basis’ to develop strategic policies

• Requires councils to consider joint approaches to plan making

When is it applied?

“Early and meaningful engagement and collaboration with neighbourhoods, local organisations and businesses is essential. A wide section of the community should be proactively engaged, so that Local Plans, as far as possible, reflect a collective vision and a set of agreed priorities for the sustainable development of the area, including those contained in any neighbourhood plans that have been made.”

- Para 155, NPPF

• Plans are produced with significant public consultation

• The views of local people form part of the evidence base

• Council with have a ‘Local Development Scheme’ which sets out clear timetables

• Opportunity to be involved at examination

How can local people get involved?

• Committees cannot use any policies that conflict with NPPF principles

• From 2014 limitations on S106 obligations mean LPAs will lose out on funds for infrastructure

• NPPF leaves scope for interpretation – appeals and associated costs could rise

• Less able to negotiate effectively with other authorities under duty to cooperate

• Having a plan helps make places work better

The risks of not having an up-to-date Local Plan

The deeper the shade of red, the further a council has progressed with its core strategy

Source: Planning Resource, based on Planning Inspectorate data, last updated 25 January 2013

Progress with core strategies

• Localism Act, Neighbourhood Plans, Duty to Co-operate

• CIL, New Homes Bonus• Further announcements• Taylor Review• …but significant pressures on resources.

The rate of change in planning

Resource pressures on planning

Source: DCLG

Neighbourhood Planning Support:info@planningaid.rtpi.org.uk

Tel: 0203 206 1880

Advice Line:Tel: 0330 123 9244

advice@planningaid.rtpi.org.ukwww.rtpi.org.uk/planningaid

www.mapforengland.co.uk