Planning minister Keith Hill has announced more initiatives in the government’s reform of England’s planning system, but failed to unveil the long-awaited PPS6: Planning for Town Centres.
Hill, speaking at the BCSC conference in Manchester, would not be drawn on when PPS6 would be published, saying only that it would be “sooner rather than later.”
Despite this failure, the minister did announce the publication of several circulars, which he said would bring the current planning system in line with the new system and give local authorities guidance on how to create local development frameworks.
Proposals in the draft circular included a clarification of the policy test for acceptable planning obligations and the encouragement of the use of standard charges.
“We propose to change the way we plan – to make planning a positive, pro-active activity, rather than the reactive regulatory approach too often associated with planning,” said Hill
He also announced that the government had shifted its position on the scope of retail-led regeneration and would be announcing four pilot studies into the potential of retail-led regeneration in deprived areas early next year.
References: EGi News 02/11/04
