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Welcome to this month's Inform: Planning & Environmental
This month we look at the latest information being released by the Government in relation to the Community Infrastructure Levy; we also take a brief look at the proposed new Permitted Development rights for commercial premises; and proposed changes to the Planning Policy Statement 25 – Development and Flood Risk.
Minister gives more information on Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and proposals to reform Planning Obligations
John Healey has now published for consultation, the draft regulations to implement CIL together with detailed proposals on how CIL will work. He has also included proposals on how planning obligations could be reformed following the introduction of CIL.
The consultation document reiterates that the imposition of CIL is not mandatory however it states that almost all development has some impact on the need for infrastructure, services and amenities, or benefits from it, so that it is only fair that such development pays a share of the cost. It is also right that those who benefit financially when planning permission is given should share some of that gain with the community which granted it to help fund the infrastructure that is needed to make development acceptable and sustainable... read more
Proposal for new Permitted Development rights for commercial premises
The Government is currently consulting on extending Permitted Development rights for certain works to non domestic properties and introducing a new non domestic "prior approval" procedure as an intermediary tier between permitted development and a planning application. The consultation document (which can be viewed by clicking here) sets out the Permitted Development proposals for extensions to shops, offices, institutions such as colleges and hospitals, schools and industrial and warehouse premises. There are also proposals for the installation of air conditioning units...read more
Consultation on amendments to PPS25 – Development and Flood Risk
In our July 2008 Inform we discussed the new Practice Guide to PPS25 issued to offer guidance on how to implement the PPS25 development and flood risk policies. This new consultation document on amendments to the PPS25 has been issued to propose clarification to some of these existing development and flood risk policies.
The amendments are in Annex D to the PPS25 in relation to the definition of Flood Zone 3b – "the Functional Floodplain" and Flood Risk Vulnerability Classification...read more |