Abolition of the Regional Spatial Strategies

Eric Pickles has laid an order before Parliament revoking Regional Strategies with immediate effect. Their absolute abolition will form part of the Localism Bill to be introduced in this Parliamentary Session. Accompanying the Parliamentary Statement is guidance for Councils covering the period between revocation and when the new Act is in place.

The press release confirms that Councils will now have the freedom to prepare their local plans without having to follow top-down targets. Additionally Mr Pickles has promised direct and substantial benefits for Councils who support construction, and Councils who were to make cuts in their Green Belts will now be able to protect them from future development. A letter has also been sent to all Chief Planning Officers providing guidance following the revocation.

For a copy of the letter and guidance please click here.

Revised Planning Policy Statement 3

This Planning Policy Statement on Housing was reissued this month to bring about the Government's pledge to remove garden land from the definition of 'previously developed land' and also to delete the indicative minimum of 30 dwellings per hectare.

The Planning Inspectorate was quick to provide guidance to its inspectors on these changes. In relation to the removal of garden land inspectors are advised that in the absence of a definition, it will be for the decision maker to decide what constitutes a private residential garden. In relation to housing density, the approach recommended depends on whether a case relies primarily on local policies and whether they are consistent with the revised PPS3. In some cases the inquiry or hearing may need to be reopened or adjourned.

Emergency Budget proposals

Hidden away in the Budget Report the Government reaffirmed its decision to abolish Regional Development Agencies through a Public Bodies Bill. The Government also intends to issue a white paper in the Summer which will set out proposals for the creation of local enterprise partnerships and, as part of the Governments intended shift to a locally driven planning regime, promote the role for a simplified planning consent process through Local Development Orders in areas where there is potential or need for business growth.

The Budget Report also confirmed the establishment of Infrastructure UK to improve long term planning and delivery in infrastructure with the aid of private sector investment. In the Autumn the Government will publish a national infrastructure plan setting out these goals.

Major Infrastructure Planning Unit

The Government announced last week that a new Major infrastructure Planning Unit will replace the Infrastructure Planning Commission. The new unit will be part of the Planning Inspectorate and will continue to fast track large scale major infrastructure projects. However all National Planning Statements will now be subject to ratification by Government

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