Budget 2018: Government to reform planning system to boost high streets
The government has announced plans to overhaul the UK’s planning system to help reform the UK’s high streets, as part of chancellor Philip Hammond’s Budget speech this afternoon (29 October).
In official papers, the government said it is looking for ways to ensure the planning system “supports the creation of new business and homes”. It said that the planning system “has a critical role to play in the future of our high streets and in underpinning the delivery of much needed new homes”.
Following the publication of the revised National Planning Policy Framework in July, it said it was necessary to “go further” to “revitalise the high street, support business and deliver new homes”.
The government has announced plans to overhaul the UK’s planning system to help reform the UK’s high streets, as part of chancellor Philip Hammond’s Budget speech this afternoon (29 October).
In official papers, the government said it is looking for ways to ensure the planning system “supports the creation of new business and homes”. It said that the planning system “has a critical role to play in the future of our high streets and in underpinning the delivery of much needed new homes”.
Following the publication of the revised National Planning Policy Framework in July, it said it was necessary to “go further” to “revitalise the high street, support business and deliver new homes”.
The consultation includes four parts, all designed to make more effective use of existing buildings both for business and residential use and make town centres more attractive destinations.
Firstly, the government is looking for views on new permitted development rights to allow for greater flexibility for change of use. These include using airspace above existing buildings for additional new homes and extensions. It adds that bringing in these new rights “could support new businesses and encourage further diversity on the high street”.
As part of this, it is considering introducing a new right to allow for the demolition of existing commercial buildings and their redevelopment as residential. “We are seeking views on whether it would be feasible for a permitted development right to be designed that could allow for the redevelopment of a commercial site to create new homes.”
It is also proposing to extend local authorities’ freedom to dispose of local authority land without seeking consent from the secretary of state.
In addition, it is planning to make it easier to carry out minor, routine works to the Canal & River Trust’s listed waterway structures without the need for individual listed building consent applications. “This will remove unnecessary applications from the system while ensuring that appropriate protection for listed buildings and their settings is maintained.”
Finally, the government is considering providing greater clarity around the compulsory purchase powers of new town development corporations. It sets out the ways it expects these purchase powers to be used, and the policy factors which minister will take into account. These factors include the need for applications to support the governments’ garden towns and villages programme as well as avoiding conflict with established legal and policy principles.
To send feedback, e-mail anna.ward@egi.co.uk or tweet @annaroxelana or @estatesgazette
