Last edited 28 May 2016

Simplified planning zones SPZ

Simplified Planning Zones (SPZ's) were areas in which local planning authorities encouraged development by granting certain specified planning permissions without the need for planning permission or the payment of planning fees.

The policy relating to Simplified Planning Zones was detailed in Planning Policy Guidance 5: Simplified Planning Zones (PPG5). However this was replaced by Planning Policy Statement 4: Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth (PPS4) in 2009, and this in turn was replaced by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF - See Annex 3 of the NPPF for a schedule of planning policy guidance and planning policy statements that is replaced by the framework).

The National Planning Policy Framework does not mention Simplified Planning Zones specifically, however it does suggest that planning can be simplified in particular areas:

Local planning authorities should work together with Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP's) improving the conditions for economic growth in an area (LEP's are business-led partnerships created to drive sustainable economic growth across local economic areas).
Local planning authorities can use Local Development Orders to relax planning requirements in particular areas or for particular categories of development to promote economic, social or environmental gains (such as boosting enterprise).
Neighbourhood Development Orders can be used to grant planning permission for a specific development proposal or classes of development.
Community Right to Build Orders can be used to allow parish councils and neighbourhood forums to grant planning permission for a specific development proposal or classes of development.

In addition, the government is establishing ‘enterprise zones’ in Local Enterprise Partnerships areas. LEP's are able to bid for enterprise zones. Amongst other things, enterprise zones include simplified planning procedures. This is generally done through the use of Local Development Orders, to allow certain developments without the need for planning permission.

[edit] Find out more

Read about the launch event for our major new report about the worrying and widening construction knowledge gap.

We've analysed 6 million pieces of data to reveal that the knowledge framework underpinning the construction industry is no longer fit for purpose.

The theme for BSRIA's 2017 Briefing is 'Solutions to Tomorrow’s Challenges in Today’s Buildings'.

Dealing more than 1,700 consultations was just one of last year’s tasks for the Gardens Trust.

Read about the history behind one of California's most iconic buildings, the Griffith Observatory.

ICE examine just how close we are to providing subsidy-free low carbon electricity.

Have a look at MAD Architects' design proposal for renovating Montparnasse Tower into a concave mirror.

This article examines the legal issues behind off-site goods and materials.

Read about how technology is changing the real estate industry.

BRE Global introduce the first registration scheme for Suitably Qualified Security Specialists.

An introductory article to the different types of building foundations.

This unique Brutalist-era car park just off Oxford Street is soon to be demolished.