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Government aims to ease planning application process
19 February 2013
The Government has unveiled a public consultation process to examine how the some of the details of the planning process can be made more straight-forward. And it is keen to hear the views of self builders – who now have just two weeks to submit their suggestions.
Planning Minister Nick Boles said: "We are determined to cut away unnecessary burdens and paperwork and provide a simpler, swifter planning system for all. The small changes we are proposing are another step in streamlining an application process that for too long has been weighed down by the need to provide irrelevant information and detail".
This latest public consultation follows on from an initiative the Government launched last summer when it sought the public's views on a draft document called 'Streamlining Information Requirements for Planning Applications'. This time, it is focussing on two main areas:
- simplifying where and how Design and Access Statements (DASs) are required. DASs currently convey the broad design approach and rationale of a planning application, which would include the thinking behind general access to a building, particularly for the young, the elderly and the disabled.
- the need for the plethora of information demanded by some local authorities when a planning application is submitted. Should there be a request for a flood risk assessment for a building situated at altitude, for example?
Experienced planner and Best Practice Manager at the National Self Build Association, Sally Tagg, said: "Conceptually, this is excellent news! However, in reality, what we must ensure is that Local Planning Authorities have some helpful and simple literature available which makes the process clear and unambigious. NaSBA will be formally responding to the consultation process as we believe it is vital to represent our members".
The deadline for any responses is Monday 4th March 2013
Has this been a long time coming? Would relaxing any rules compromise any ethical or environmental planning aspects?
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