Places, people and planning: update on proposal 8

Proposal 8. Improving public trust.

We believe that pre-application consultation can be improved, and there should be greater community involvement where proposals are not supported in the development plan. We also propose removing the fee exemption for repeat applications and improving planning enforcement.

Why we are making a change

To ensure that when people are contributing their own time when they get involved in planning, we use that time effectively. This is about ensuring that people get involved at the right time and that they feel their input has been worthwhile.

What we are doing

• Research - Improvement, and barriers to improvement, of planning enforcement powers
• We suggested a number of changes to improve trust in planning, including amended requirements for pre-application consultation (PAC) for major and national developments.
• We are bringing forward measures to strengthen enforcement powers.
• The need for training in community engagement, involving not only planning authorities but also the development sector was highlighted.
• We also believe that development plan schemes could be used to secure stronger and more locally tailored approaches to engagement.

How we will deliver change

• primary legislation – Provisions to improve pre-application consultation and enforcement are included in the Planning Bill
• secondary legislation – regulations on pre-application consultation will be revised. Fees regulations will be reviewed
• guidance – yes
• non legislative action – yes