The BPF has thrown its weight behind government proposals making it easier for business improvement districts to become involved in neighbourhood plans, but has warned against unintended consequences.
Members of BIDs are already taking a greater role in performing public services due to a combination of council cuts and self-interest.
But new government proposals would reduce the amount of bureaucracy BIDs have to deal with to directly involve themselves in business-led neighbourhood plans.
These partnerships would be particularly useful in areas such as trading estates where resident investment is minimised.
However, the body has warned that in other areas the direct involvement of BIDs could jeopardise the formation of fair neighbourhood plans and alienate the public from taking part.
A landlord who is part of a BID, for example, could consult on an emerging neighbourhood plan with occupiers of premises. Which could deter the occupiers from criticising the plans for fear of reprisals.
The solution offered by the BPF is for BIDs to meet specific membership requirements. This would avoid situations where a conflict of interest could arise or communities would become confused about the role of the BIDs.
Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British Property Federation, said: “Businesses have a crucial part to play in the neighbourhood planning process, and it is for this reason that we would like to see steps taken to make it easier for them to participate in neighbourhood planning, to further promote local decision making for growth.”
