Government launches planning reform consultation

The government is seeking responses to its White Paper on planning reform – 'Planning for the Future'.

The proposals would transform the planning system, meaning each local authority would have to produce a zoning plan dividing their area into ‘development, ‘renewal’ and ‘protected’ land. Councils would also have to produce a local design code.

There would be an automatic presumption in favour of development and provided the design met the local code no detailed planning permission would be needed on land zoned for development. Only on protected land would there remain a presumption against development. Planning gain mechanisms would be replaced with a proportionate levy.

Building control requirements would remain even though detailed planning permission may no longer be required.

This mirrors the recent announcement extending permitted development rights to allow two additional storeys to existing residential buildings. The MHCLG, in a circular letter to council chief executive and building control heads, made it clear they 'cannot envisage a situation where the addition of new storeys to a building would not be notifiable building work'.  

The consultation is open until 29 October 2020.

Submit your response on the 'Planning for the Future' consultation