Planning Minister Lord Falconer is leaning towards introducing the Irish model for planning gain, following comments made at the CBI conference this week.
Speaking at the Birmingham conference, Falconer hinted that planning gain would be negotiated at the start of an applications process, instead of at the end. This would make system far more like the Irish model proposed by the RICS in their submission on the forthcoming planning Green Paper.
Falconer said: “Frequently all issues save planning obligation will have been resolved. Then there will be long delays whilst a lengthy negotiation proceeds to resolve these issues.”
Sources within the department have said that Falconer is now considering the Irish model, which also includes provisions for independent mediation if a sum cannot be agreed between the developer and the planning authority. Previous alternatives to the current system being considered by the Government include the US system of impact fees, which experts consider to be too inflexible.
Michael Chambers, head of policy at the RICS, said: “It’s encouraging that the DTLR seems to have abandoned the idea of impact fees and are looking at the Irish system.”
EGi News 09/11/01
