Concerns are being expressed via various on line sources (I first came across this via my daily RTPI Planning newsletter) re Eric Pickles latest moves regarding the localism bill south of the border:
From the 24dash.com* web pages
A fundamental principle of the planning system will be undermined with long term and hugely damaging consequences for local communities and the environment, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has claimed.
Prompted by legal concerns first highlighted by CPRE, Communities Sectary Eric Pickles has taken the 'shocking and controversial step' of tabling an amendment to the Localism Bill that would allow councils to accept government money for saying ‘yes’ to development.
Legal advice obtained by CPRE last year suggested that by linking the outcome of planning decisions to un-ring fenced financial rewards, as outlined in the Government’s flagship housing scheme the ‘New Homes Bonus’ (NHB), any decision taken would be legally ‘tainted’ and open to question.
According to the campaign group, Pickles’ amendment, to be debated in the House of Commons next week, aims to skirt this legal constraint and reward local councils for making pro-growth decisions – regardless of whether development is in line with the local plan or environmentally sustainable.
Neil Sinden, Director of Policy for CPRE, says: “This amendment is a brazen attempt to legalise cash for sprawl. Many may have criticised the UK planning system in the past, but at least decisions were, on the whole, made on merit and not money.
“Councils are currently facing hard financial choices. In these circumstances it is very tempting to seek to fill shrinking coffers by permitting any development, regardless of its environmental impact or the views of local communities.
"But decisions based on financial benefit, rather than on whether proposed development is appropriate, could be hugely damaging to the environment and public confidence in planning.
"It also undermines the fundamental principle that planning decisions should be in the long term public interest, taking account of land use consequences.”
The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) said the move was a 'major change' to the way local councils make planning decisions.
It said the last minute amendment to the Bill, which was not subject to any consultation, makes direct payments by Government a key consideration in deciding on planning applications.
Dr Hugh Ellis, TCPA Chief Planner said: “While the Government claims this is a minor change to reinforce the New Homes Bonus, in fact it means direct cash payments will become the first amongst equals of considerations for new development.
"This, along with other measures announced in the Budget, risks further undermining the role of planning which is to deliver sustainable development in the wider public interest.”
24dash.com is the UK's most up-to-date Social Housing and Public Sector news website, combining national coverage from the Press Association and our team of professional journalists with press releases loaded direct by housing associations, local authorities, charities and other relevant organisations.
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