Page 22 - Yearbook 2020

PLANNING
In conversation with Zaheer Bashir
Although not yet implemented, “the biggest potential change to planning law relates to the proposed Government White Paper entitled ‘Planning for the Future’”, according to Associate Director, Zaheer Bashir.
This White Paper invites comment and feedback from all areas of society and so, whilst it is not a change in the law, it gives a good indication of the Government’s proposed reforms to the planning system in England. It is designed to streamline and modernise the planning process, improve outcomes on design and sustainability, reform developer contributions and ensure more land is available for development where it is needed.
So, how much change to the current planning system should we expect to see?
According to Zaheer, “Whilst the Prime Minister is saying the proposal will completely replace the current system, it appears more likely that the system of allocation will be rebranded. The question remains whether the Government can nd the balance between a streamlined planning process whilst not compromising on important safeguards.”
The headline change is that all areas of England will be
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split into three planning zones: protected zones, renewal zones and growth zones. Each area will face varying levels of restrictions on development. There is also an intention to streamline the current local plan process by including a statutory timeframe of three months in which a local plan must be adopted. Zaheer explains why: “Too often local plans are adopted by local authorities after a lengthy delay. The hope is that a briefer document focusing on zonal style of planning will remove such delays, giving developers more certainty. The risk, of course, is that a brief document can often mean a bon re of safeguards.”
Zaheer concludes, “It’s clear that there is a need for development to be of a better quality. The proposals around Homes England having a critical role in leading on delivering better places and each local planning authority having a chief of cer for design and place-making are welcome. However, I believe there are further changes that are necessary, not least in relation to controlling permitted development rights and having robust design codes, if the Government’s aspirations are to be delivered.