The previous rules have been changed 16 times since their introduction, so the government’s aim is: “to put all the laws together in one place, introducing a better structure, and making it a more faithful reflection of the actual steps applicants go through when submitting planning applications."
The government go on to say that “the intended effect is to introduce a greater degree of clarity and simplification into the planning system for applicants and local authorities alike.” Two particular benefits that the new procedures are intended to provide are in;
- reducing the time taken by local authorities in dealing with planning applications, and
- reducing the need for legal advice and other professional help when preparing a planning application (leading to savings for the person making the application).
Why are these changes important?
Apart from the obvious need to be familiar with the new procedures which should make things easier, the government’s own explanatory note says that “There will be a transitional period which could lead to misunderstandings amongst practitioners for a limited period”. There are also likely to be issues for hard-pressed local councils while they themselves become familiarised with the new rules and embed procedures. Anyone applying for planning permission after 1st October should therefore take care that the correct procedures are followed.
Further information
These notes are intended as general guidance only and should not be relied on in any specific circumstances without additional specialist legal advice. Please call David Heys on 0116 212 1027 or Katherine Cereghino on 0116 212 1148 for more information or if you have any questions or you can email David at dheys@lawson-west.co.uk.
