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Winchester T: 01962 893 893 F: 01962 893 883
London T: 020 7812 6490 F: 020 7812 6677
info@remarkable-engagement.co.uk
Find out more about Localism visit localism-agenda.com
Over the past few weeks, political parties have been vying to offer what they believe are the "best" policies covering a variety of topics. Tuesday's speech, by shadow housing minister Grant Shapps, put forward the Conservative party's position on planning and house building.
Shapps started his speech with the obligatory analysis of the failures of the current government, highlighting that house building is at its lowest point since World War II, with fewer first time buyers, and an increasing number of families waiting on housing registers.
He then outlined the Conservatives plan to abolish the HIP (Home Information Pack), defined as "pointless red tape" when selling homes.
He also outlined plans to scrap the ‘unelected' Regional Assemblies and to abolish Regional Spatial Strategies in favour of a more localised approach, whilst also abolishing the recently created Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC).
The ambitious Tory policies offered support for local authorities with regard to development for up to six years. Local Authorities would retain any increase in council tax revenue as a result of development in the area (offering 100% retention for open market homes; 125% for affordable homes); as well as the retention of business rates. Funds would not be ring fenced and would replace central funding as an incentive for development.
The party is aiming to reduce the amount of time it takes to get a development approved, and suggested implementing sanctions on statutory consultees such as the Environment Agency or Highways Agency if they unduly delay the progress of an application.
It was confirmed that smaller projects would be removed from the remit of Planning Officers, in order to free up their time and their expertise for larger projects; and that while all of these plans are being implemented, transitional arrangements would be implemented to limit delays in the planning process.
A Discussion Paper will be release shortly to facilitate debate on the advantages and disadvantage of the party's intentions.
For further information, please contact Stephanie
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