Expert panel invites views on streamlining local plan production

The panel has called for "the planning and property industry, local government and other stakeholders" to submit evidence to help it consider what reforms and measures could help ensure "the efficient and effective production of local plans".

The panel's call for evidence (1-page / 129 KB PDF) has asked specifically for observations on how the system is working and good and bad examples of the content of local plans. It has asked whether procedures, including the terms and flexibility of existing regulations, could be changed and for opinions on the duty for councils to co-operate with their neighbours on strategic matters, the appropriateness of early review of plans and government powers of intervention in the plan production process.

The call for evidence has also invited responses relating to strategic requirements in the local planning process, including "the role of strategic housing market assessments, the appropriateness of evidence requirements and methods for calculating objectively assessed need [for housing]".

Planning expert Jamie Lockerbie of Pinsent Masons, the law firm behind Out-Law.com, said: "The answer to the question 'could procedures be changed to provide better and quicker plan preparation?' is almost certainly going to be a resounding yes. Local planning authorities have had a difficult time recently in terms of local planning."

"Difficulties in assessing full objective housing need and the challenges faced by the duty to co-cooperate have meant that the progress of many local plans has slowed to a crawl or halted completely in some cases," said Lockerbie. "A standardisation of the calculation of objectively assessed housing need and some clear best practice guidance as to how to undergo and meet the duty to co-operate will almost certainly be welcome."

Participants can submit their evidence to [email protected] until the close of business on Friday 23 October.