Local authorities must be given greater discretion in planning, says LGA

Councils will need greater discretion in planning matters if they are to meet the needs of local communities, the Local Government Association has claimed.

Speaking ahead of its Planning for Growth summit on the reforms, Cllr Clyde Loakes, vice-chairman of the LGA’s environment board, said the draft national planning policy framework (NPPF) – released by a government advisory group last week – “lays down the gauntlet” to government to cut down the 2,500 pages of planning rules and put in their place something more efficient and concise.

“Local authorities will increasingly need more discretion to meet the needs of their local communities,” he insisted, adding that councils had long been calling, through the LGA, for a reduction in the amount of policy guidance.

Cllr Loakes said: “We will examine these proposals closely with our members to see if they do the job. Local government is committed to sustainable development and we need to ensure the revised NPPF sets out clear goals to achieve and deliver a range of improved economic, social and environmental outcomes for our communities.

“With the dire shortage of homes available for people unable to get on the housing ladder, it is vital that we get Britain building again. This has to be done in a way which balances different local priorities, interests, needs and benefits residents, local businesses and people in need of housing.”

Cllr Loakes added that it was important that local government was in the driving seat for the reforms, as it would be councils that have to deliver the new system. “Councils want a streamlined and informed planning system which ensures communities get the quantity, type and quality of housing they need, and ensures new developments are well-planned and sustainable for the future."

The Local Government Group said it would be unveiling its offer of support to local authority planning departments and councillors with responsibility for planning in the light of the reforms.

The group’s Planning Advisory Service will help share among councils “innovative and successful examples of how to involve residents in the planning process, implement local plans and use planning reforms contained in the Localism Bill to benefit their local areas”.