REFORM OF THE PLANNING SYSTEM AND HOW IT WILL AFFECT LEWES DISTRICT LDC/LDALC Town & Parish Councils Conference October 2011 Lindsay Frost Director of Planning & Environmental Services

1Planning Reform: Haven’t we been here before? Yes, many times Planning system established by 1947 Town & Country Planning Act with major reforms in 1962, 1971, 1980, 1990, 2004 and 2008 Countless minor amending legislation, statutory instruments, departmental circulars, national planning policy guidance notes, in between major reforms

2The Last Round of Reforms: Regional Plans and Local Development Frameworks Top down targets and inspection regime Infrastructure Planning Commission to decide applications for nationally important infrastructure Community Infrastructure Levy

3The Coalition Government’s Critique Too much power in Whitehall and at regional level Top down targets not working: causing local resentment and failing to deliver growth “Planning system too slow, cumbersome and bureaucratic”

4The Coalition Government’s Prescription “Localism, Localism, Localism” –Less Whitehall controls and targets –Abolish regional planning –Shift power to local councils and communities Speed up and simplify planning Incentivise growth

5The Localism Bill Key piece of legislation for the Coalition: supported by both Cons and LDs. Wide ranging: not just planning Bill now in Lords Royal Assent expected in November 2011 Detailed regulations to follow on specific reforms

6Planning Reforms: Decentralisation Targets and inspection regime being dismantled Regional Spatial Strategies (South East Plan) to be abolished RSS still in force until abolition: evidence base and technical work still useful Duty to co-operate between local authorities IPC brought within Government to provide political accountability

7Planning Reforms: Development Plans LDFs stay, but focus on Core Strategy Introduction of neighbourhood planning –Prepared by T & P Councils, Neighbourhood Forums –Need to comply with national policy/LDF –Based on evidence and local consultation –Examination by independent inspector –Subject to binding referendum –Will have statutory force Major new opportunity for local people to shape planning in their area

8Planning Reforms: Streamlining The System Draft National Planning Policy Framework: pages down to 50 pages Taking categories of development out of planning control –Local Development Orders –Neighbourhood Development Orders –Campus sites – hospitals, universities –Micro generation

–Business buildings to residential –Other reforms of Use Classes Order Predetermination and predisposition Third party appeals considered, but rejected Reforms to make enforcement of planning control easier

9Incentivising Growth Giving local control through neighbourhood planning New Homes Bonus – match funding Council tax receipts for up to six years Community Infrastructure Levy: developer contributions to infrastructure

10Effect on planning in Lewes District Essential to progress LDF Core Strategy: adopt early 2013 Work can begin on neighbourhood plans: start thinking now Progress CIL to ensure that development is supported by necessary infrastructure Loosening of planning control in some areas Resources to deliver the new planning system, especially at neighbourhood level

11Thank you for Listening Any Questions? Lindsay Frost Tel: