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Cornerstone Planning

39 Essex QC named on panel to streamline Local Plan-making process

Richard Harwood QC of 39 Essex Chambers has been named on an eight-strong panel of experts appointed by Planning Minister Brandon Lewis to help streamline the Local Plan-making process.

The Department for Communities and Local Government said 276 local authorities had published Local Plans, with 216 adopted so far. More than a third of local planning authorities had accordingly yet to adopt plans.

The DCLG said the panel would consider how the process could be simplified “with the aim of slashing the amount of time it takes for local authorities to get them in place.

“This will provide greater certainty to communities regarding plans for new homes and infrastructure in their area, while speeding up the planning process so developers can get on site quicker.”

The other members of the panel are:

  • John Rhodes of planning consultants Quod (chair);
  • Adrian Penfold from developers British Land;
  • Cllr Toby Elliott from Swindon Borough Council;
  • Keith Holland, a retired Senior Planning Inspector;
  • Liz Peace, formerly of the British Property Federation;
  • John Howell MP, member for Henley;
  • Derek Stebbing, Local Authority Plans Manager for Chelmsford City Council.

The DCLG said the panel’s remit would be broad and cover any aspect of the Local Plan-making process that they feel is relevant. The panel is expected to report in the New Year.

Councils have until early 2017 to produce Local Plans. In cases where no Local Plan has been produced the Government will intervene to arrange for a Local Plan to be written, in consultation with local people.

The Department has previously written to the Planning inspectorate urging them to take a pragmatic approach to examining Local Plans.

Brandon Lewis acknowledged that it was “fair to say” that the process of getting Local Plans in place would sometimes be lengthy and complicated.

“That’s why we’ve brought together this panel of experts to help look at ways to streamline the process. Their first-class advice will help councils push on and deliver the homes and infrastructure that their communities need,” he said.