The government’s planning green paper, to be published today, will propose zones where developers do not need to apply for planning consent to build a scheme.
Details of what can be built in these areas, to be known as “business zones”, will be set out in strategy documents drawn up by regional assemblies and Regional Development Agencies.
Local authorities will decide exactly where these zones will be located. Hi-tech business parks, science parks, and other areas where development has a “low impact” on surrounding areas, will take priority.
The green paper will also include increases in planning fees of 14%.
The fee income will be ring-fenced by the white paper on local government’s proposal that Whitehall must be kept informed of the uses to which local authorities put the cash raised.
The white paper also encourages local authorities to outsource applications.
Other green paper proposals include cutting down the period of time for which a planning consent is valid to three years (instead of the current five years) and the restriction of the window of opportunity for appeals to three months instead of six months.
Developers will also have to prove that they have consulted the public on large schemes, and to draw up strict timetables for local authority-led schemes.
EGi News 12/12/01
