Expert panel to streamline local plan-making process
Local plans are prepared by local authorities and set out the framework for the future development of an area on a 15-year horizon. They define; the priorities for an area, strategic policies, the framework for neighbourhood plans, land allocations, infrastructure requirements, housing needs, requirements for safeguarding the environment, measures for adapting to climate change and so on.
The introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in 2012 put local plans at the heart of the planning system. Local authorities have until early 2017 to produce local plans or the government will intervene to arrange for a local plan to be written, in consultation with local people.
However, by September 2016, only 276 local authorities had published local plans and just 216 had been adopted, meaning that more than a third of local planning authorities did not have adopted plans. The slow pace of local plan-making was highlighted in a government plan for increasing Britain’s productivity ‘Fixing the foundations’ published in July 2015.
On 15 September 2015, Planning Minister Brandon Lewis launched a new panel of 8 experts (Local Plans Expert Group or LPEG) to help streamline the local plan-making process. This is intended to ensure the time taken for local plans to be put in place is reduced, providing greater certainty to communities and enabling developers to start work on site sooner. Ref gov.uk Launch of new group of experts to help streamline the local plan-making process.
The group includes representatives from a range of backgrounds, including local authorities, developers, the legal industry and the Planning Inspectorate.
- Chair John Rhodes of planning consultants Quod.
- Adrian Penfold from developers British Land.
- Richard Harwood QC from legal firm 39 Essex Chambers.
- Councillor Toby Elliott from Swindon Borough Council.
- Keith Holland, a retired Senior Planning Inspector.
- Liz Peace, formerly of the British Property Federation.
- John Howell MP, member for Henley.
- Derek Stebbing, Local Authority Plans Manager for Chelmsford City Council.
The group will be able to consider any aspect of the local plan-making process they feel is relevant and call on experts as they see fit. League tables will be published setting out the progress councils have made.
Brandon Lewis said: “…it’s fair to say the process of getting Local Plans in place can sometimes be lengthy and complicated. That’s why we’ve brought together this panel of experts to help look at ways to streamline the process. Their first-class advice will help councils push on and deliver the homes and infrastructure that their communities need.”
The group produced a report in March with 47 recommendations.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..