The Crown’s immunity to planning law will end on 7 June.
Secondary legislation was laid on the 17th May, meaning that the Crown will now have to apply for planning permission from its local authority, like any other developer.
The move follows provisions included in 2004’s Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act.
Lord’s Planning Minister, Baroness Kay Andrews said: “The Government is committed to making sure the planning system is fair and efficient and so it is right that the Crown is subjected to the same controls as private developers.
“There has been a commitment to bring to an end the Crown’s immunity and the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act provided us with an opportunity to make it happen.”
The changes include a revision to application procedures, a new use class for secure residential accommodation, such as prisons, and a change to the General Permitted Development Order, which gives the Crown a new set of permitted development rights similar to those enjoyed by local authorities and relevant statutory undertakers.
There are also special provisions for emergencies and national security development.
References: EGi News 24/05/06
