The latest
measures to help simplify development consents, by cutting red
tape and creating a more open and competitive planning system,
were set out today in the Government’s progress update to the
Penfold Review.
The update, an important action from the Growth Review, details
the progress since the Government’s response to the independent
review published in November last year, which includes:
Expanding the simplified approach to the environmental
permitting system, allowing developers to apply for one consent
rather than severalCreating a lighter touch application process
for low-impact environmental consentsSetting out service standards
for the major consenting bodies to improve the ease of applying
for consents, such as named points of contact, clearer guidance on
whether consents are needed and encouraging early discussion to
smooth an application processConsulting on a code to increase
transparency of the decision making process in Local
AuthoritiesCreating a protocol to guide working between the
Environment Agency, Local Authorities and developers to cut out
duplication and confusion.
The recently launched Red Tape Challenge will play a significant
role in reducing the burdens and confusion of the development
consents system. It will allow people to comment on, and suggest
improvements to, consents and planning regulations, with the aim
of reducing unnecessary and out of date rules, cutting burdens and
improving enforcement.
Mark Prisk, Minister for Business and Enterprise, said:
“Real progress is being made to cut back the confusion and
complexity of the development consents system. These consents
provide important environmental and social protections but too
little thought was given their cumulative impact on businesses
resulting in an often burdensome and overlapping system.
“The Penfold Review put forward strong recommendations to clear
away the clutter and the Government is delivering on these to help
transform a key driver to economic growth in the UK.”
Liz Peace, Chief Executive of the British Property Federation,
said:
“We are delighted the Government has listened to the concerns of
the property industry and is moving to reduce the suffocating web
of development consents that are currently stifling development
and economic growth.
“The complexities of the consents are a real hindrance to
developers, and it is particularly pleasing to see environmental
impact assessments will be cut down to one consent rather than
several, which is something we have been lobbying Government to
change for a long time.
“Deregulation is one of the key planks of the Government’s plans
to foster economic growth, and this is certainly a step in the
right direction.”
Other key actions from the Government’s Growth Review, published
alongside the Budget in March, are expected to be announced
shortly, including a powerful new presumption in favour of
sustainable development.
Development consents are required by developers, alongside or
after planning permission, include environmental permits, highways
orders and heritage consents. There are more than 80 consents that
deliver key economic, social and environmental objectives, for
example protecting endangered species, tackling climate change,
delivering a well functioning road-network and protecting the
health and well-being of local communities. But the system of
consents was developed in an uncoordinated, creating unnecessary
complexity and burdens for developers.
Notes for editors
The Government commissioned Adrian Penfold, of British Land, to
undertake a review of the development consents system in Autumn
2009. He published his report in July 2010 which set out
recommendations to simplify the system, cutting unnecessary
paperwork and costs to developers. The report can be found here:
www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/better-regulation/docs/p/10-1027-penfold-review-final-report.pdf
The Government responded to the report in November 2010,
committing to take immediate practical steps to free developers
from burdensome regulation. It also agreed to bring consents in
line with the Government’s ‘one in, one out, approach to
regulation and ensure that relevant government departments work
closely together to drive forward and implement changes. The
Government response can be found here: www.bis.gov.uk/penfold
along with today’s progress report.
The Red Tape Challenge was launched by the Prime Minister on 7
April, giving the public a chance to have their say on the more
than 21,000 regulations that affect their everyday lives. The
website is available at www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk
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