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
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Community Right to Build Orders.
- Enterprise zones.
- Local Enterprise Partnership.
- National Planning Policy Framework.
- Neighbourhood planning.
- Permitted development.
- Pink zones.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners win RIBA National Award for their British Museum extension.
The story so far.
Here is our list of the top 25 buildings in London. Do you agree with our selection?
British Columbia and construction
A blueprint for the construction industry from Canada's west coast.
China's elaborate idea for a mass-transport system has been abandoned.
Read this article about the theories that characterise life in the hyperreal post-modern city.
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation and how it was tested.
"We can’t sustain low density suburbs, density isn't a choice, it's a necessity." - Read our interview with the award-winning social housing architect Peter Barber.
Conservation area designation can be crucial, but treatment of individual parks varies considerably.
ICE publish new NEC4 Design, Build and Operate contract.
America's failing infrastructure
Report states $2 trillion is needed over the next 10 years to fix American roads.
What is the client's strategic brief for construction projects?
Read the story behind the world's most iconic festival stage, Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage.
Read the story of Ronan Point, another disastrous event which had profound consequences for the construction industry.
Click here to see more featured articles and news.