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The bill is at the report stage. RTPI wants MPs to support a proposed strengthening of the arrangements for planning at the larger-than-local level, support for an amended clause that will give a duty to cooperate. It also said that the proposed neighbourhood planning system remains overly complex and this may mean that neighbourhood planning will not be as visionary, inclusive, widespread or effective as intended. Government amendments still do not deal with many of the key issues, it said.
RTPI pointed out that National Planning Policy Framework is expected to propose significant strategic policies that will affect local and neighbourhood planning but said that it will not be effective unless embodied in statute in the bill.
The Government’s new amendment to make financial considerations a material consideration is deeply flawed and potentially very damaging to proper planning and it contradicts assurances given by ministers just 12 weeks ago, said RTPI. It is calling for the amendment to be withdrawn. Money from the New Homes Bonus could outweigh other factors, such as the views of the local community and environmental, social and wider economic concerns, it felt.
RTPI also has a number of other concerns about the Bill and these will be dealt with when the Bill enters the House of Lords. They include provisions in the Bill relating to local planning, pre-application consultation and planning enforcement. They also relate to some of the others proposals not in the ‘planning’ related sections of the Bill, such as pre-determination, right to challenge community assets and referendums that have the potential to have an adverse impact on effective planning.
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