Planning Advice Note 82: local authority interest developments

MULTIPLE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES

5. Local authorities must carry out a range of developments themselves, or perhaps support other developments, in the exercise of their duties. A number of these developments may be promoted as a result of the discussion and agreement in community planning partnerships. Local authorities also own large areas of land within their boundaries, and sometimes it will be appropriate or necessary to release some of that land for development by others.

6. It is almost inevitable that conflicts of interests can sometimes be perceived to arise when a planning authority is considering future development. That is simply a normal consequence of being a local authority with a range of duties and responsibilities, and having been elected to act in the best interests of their communities. The key to resolving any possible or perceived conflict of interests in future development comes down to ensuring that a full, thorough and open planning assessment is carried out in the same way as it would be for any other private development proposal.