The Government believes that the planning system has held back investment and created distortions in the way that businesses compete, deterring development and growth. The budget has announced a series of measures to try to drive local growth.

These include:

• Consulting on plans to simplify the planning process and streamline the information required to support planning applications.
• Introduction of A PLANNING GUARANTEE!  that means that planning applications will not have to spend more than 12 months in total with decision makers, where a timely appeal is made.
• Consulting on a proposal to allow changes of use, without the need to apply for planning permission, from classes B1, B2 and B8 to residential. Also to conduct an urgent review of the Use Classes Order and permitted development rights, such as the ability to transfer uses between different categories of commercial premises and from residential to commercial use.
• Supporting the creation of the eleven (with ten more to follow) new local Enterprise Zones. These Zones will benefit from business rate incentives and planning freedoms..
• Pilot elements of the land auctions models, starting with public sector land

An overview of the proposed housing and planning changes is provided in the following internet link to the DCLG website - Planning and the Budget

The Government is considering responses to the consultation into a single National Planning Policy Framework. A draft Framework document will be put out to public consultation later this year.

At BBA we intend to keep track on all the changes proposed. In the meantime, should you wish to discuss any aspects then please do not hesitate to contact us.