Winchester T: 01962 893 893 F: 01962 893 883
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Find out more about Localism visit localism-agenda.com
Winchester T: 01962 893 893 F: 01962 893 883
London T: 020 7812 6490 F: 020 7812 6677
info@remarkable-engagement.co.uk
Find out more about Localism visit localism-agenda.com
A member of the Royal Town Planning Institute questioned the merits of the Localism Bill in an interview at the weekend, arguing that it would add unnecessary layers of bureaucracy to the planning system, rather than reducing it.
Andres West's comments were made to the Sunday Telegraph as part of its 'red tape campaign', which the paper will send to the Treasury ahead of the Budget.
He cited policies such as the community right to buy and local referendums on planning applications - two points that Remarkable noted in its submission to the Localism Bill committee - as adding additional red tape to the planning system. He also highlighted concerns over neighbourhood plans and their relationship with existing local plans.
He said: "Developers will now have to comply with two different plans and sets of policies. This further reduces the likelihood of applications being approved and could be used by local people to block infrastructure proposals, wind turbines and now housing.
"Councils will no doubt radically increase fees to offset the loss of Government grants. This will add further costs to small businesses simply wishing to change a planning use or to put an advert up."
The Localism Bill has now passed through the committee stage. It will be reported on and given its third reading in the House of Commons in the coming weeks, before moving on to the House of Lords.
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