CovSoc member, Tim Brown, updates us on what has been happening to planning!
Government proposals in 2020
The Conservative Government issued a White Paper in August 2020 on ‘Planning for the Future’. Proposals included the introduction of a zoning system whereby if a proposed development was in accord with the detailed land use plan, it could go ahead, and local communities and residents would not be able to object.
There was a 12-week consultation phase and Coventry Society, like many other organisations and individuals, responded. We objected to a number of proposals such as (i) changes to permitted developments so allowing building upwards on existing properties of up to two floors and (ii) the introduction of zoning schemes. But we also supported some ideas eg greater focus on improving design as well as accelerating housing and infrastructure development.
Levelling-up and Planning in 2022
The ongoing pandemic and political upheavals in the Conservative Party halted progress on the proposals for over 18 months.
However, they resurfaced in the Levelling Up White Paper in February 2022 and the subsequent Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill. In fact, as the Bill has proceeded through the parliamentary process, it essentially became a Planning Bill!
There have, so far, been three Prime Ministers and four Secretaries of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (with Michael Gove having this post twice!) since May. As a result, the Bill progressed at a snail’s pace. For example, progress was stalled in November by a backbench revolt by Conservative MPs who put forward numerous new clauses. As a result, the Government postponed the second day of the report stage fearing a loss of control over the content of the Bill. Gove had considerable sympathy with the backbench views expressed and made significant changes that give greater powers to councils and communities to protect the countryside and green belts.
This change of heart and its commitment to a wide ranging set of consultations was sufficient to forestall the backbench revolt. The Bill completed all of its House of Commons stages on 14 December. It was introduced into the House of Lords on 19 December. The government hopes that the Bill will become an Act in mid-2023.
Current State of Play
The standout points in the Bill as it works its way through the House of Lords are:
- Free market pro-development principles put forward in the original Planning White Paper (such as zoning) have been withdrawn
- Relatively greater community engagement and council-led decision-making
- Better housing design standards
- Local housing needs assessment findings are to be advisory rather than mandatory
- Ending the obligation for councils to have a 5-year land supply where there is an up-to-date local plan.
What Happens Now?
As the Bill progresses through the House of Lords, the Government is consulting on a draft revised national planning policy framework (NPPF). This sets out those proposals in more detail that can be implemented prior to the Bill becoming an Act.
The NPPF is a vital document that sets out the key policies and procedures for local plans and for development management ie the processes by which local authorities decide on planning applications.
We will be submitting comments by the deadline of 2 March through the Government’s preferred method of an online questionnaire through a website, ‘citizen space’.
As Coventry City Council sets out on reviewing the Coventry Local Plan, they might find that they have a changing planning framework to take account of!