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.
• Development corporation.
• Enterprise zones.
• Local Enterprise Partnership.
• National Planning Policy Framework.
• Neighbourhood planning.
• Permitted development.
• Pink zones.

[edit] External references

• Annex 3 of the NPPF.