Councils will gain greater control over subdivided greenfield sites and sports buildings, under new rules announced for consultation by the government.
The proposed rules allow local authorities to remove permitted development rights over subdivided rural land more rapidly, and require developers to obtain planning consent before demolishing sports buildings.
They are subject to a period of public consultation, ending on 24 October.
Planning minister Baroness Andrews said that the changes will affect rural land that has been subdivided to multiple owners, in order to prevent “the unsightly proliferation of fences and sheds that are normally permitted”.
Councils will now be able to remove the permitted development rights without notifying the secretary of state.
“Although the planning system does not control the ownership of land, these important steps can ensure that the character and beauty of areas that are not suitable for development are maintained,” she said.
Andrews added that the rules also apply to any demolition of a sports building, including swimming baths and gymnasiums, which does not form part of a wider planning application.
She said: “Sports buildings play a vital role in ensuring our communities are active, healthy and enjoyable places to live. That is why local authorities should have the power to prevent their demolition in certain cases.”
The Department for Communities and Local Government’s General Permitted Development Order 1995: A Consultation is available on the DCLG website at www.communities.gov.uk.
References: EGi Legal News 02/08/06
