Random bleary eyed lukewarm takes on #planningforthefuture

1/ Less radical than some expected, building on the existing platform of Local Plans, NPPF, PiPs and LDOs.

2/ Puts digitisation at the heart of the planning system, which can only be a good thing if done well & is truly inclusive.

3/ As so many reforms in the past have done, bold promises are made about involving communities in plan-making and design codes. As @MartinCarter33 has already observed, effective public engagement & quicker decision making are uncomfortable bedfellows.

4/ Precious little is said about improving funding for LPAs to deliver this new system. With the digital transformation & Local Plans supposedly to be adopted within 30 months from a standing start, it will be an incredibly resource intensive process.

5/ Centralisation is a theme running through the doc. DM policies, the new Infrastructure Levy rates & a National Model Design Code will all be set nationally.

6/ With a more predictable system, the Gov anticipates fewer appeals. Doubtful. The new battleground will be whether development truly is ‘beautiful' & complies with ‘pattern book' design codes.

7/ No indication as to whether LPAs will be required by law to identify “Growth Areas" suitable for substantial dev or how big they will need to be. “Substantial development" is to be defined in policy & will be absolutely critical to understanding the impact of the changes.

8/ Similarly, will LPAs have carte blanche to designate “Protection Areas”? If so, some areas (dare I say the ones with the most expensive houses & shoutiest residents?) may become preserved in aspic whereas more deprived areas will be earmarked for growth to meet targets.

9/ Reform of CIL is long overdue & is to be welcomed. But will dropping “Community” (so it becomes “IL”) be enough? The new system will need to address lower value areas. A nationally set levy could render some areas unviable, waving goodbye to “Levelling Up.”

10/ Despite the claimed democratisation of the new system, it does take power away from local politicians. The extent of political pushback during the consultation process will be interesting to witness, as will No:10’s response. Let's not kid ourselves that this is a @MHCLG gig.

11/ There will be more considered & erudite comments on the reforms & we still need the detail but we're in for a bumpy & probably exhilarating ride in the coming months & years …… again.

I'm off to walk the dog & get her take on it all. She can't wait.

[ENDS]