Out-Law News

Boles defends planning reforms and hints at CIL review


Planning minister Nick Boles has defended the government's planning reforms, in a speech in which he also hinted at a review of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) following the 2015 general election, according to a report in Planning Magazine .

In a speech at the Royal Town Planning Institute's annual planning convention, Boles reportedly acknowledged local authorities' concerns over the relaxation of certain planning controls, such as the government's extension of permitted development rights, but claimed that reforms were aimed at restoring "the original idea that planners should be creating plans".

"I know that some authorities are upset about the loss of control and application fee income, but in five or ten years' time they'll be glad they are not wasting their time on matters that did not require intervention by government and they're investing that time in creating a vision for their community," said Boles, according to the report.

Boles also indicated that the government may look to further reform CIL, following amendments to the CIL Regulations in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Saying that finance for infrastructure is "a bit of a mess", Boles added "any future government is going to want to take a further look at it", according to the report.

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