Let's use the Planning Regulations Pragmatically.....

Every little decision helps!

In this very surreal time, where half the population remains stubbornly set in their ways and wants their pint in the pub, come what may, and the other half are anticipating the four horsemen of the apocalypse riding over the horizon, surely we need to keep an eye on practicalities.

None of us know whether we are on the verge of an Italian lockdown, and systems grind to a halt for a few months or whether the Government’s current approach is practical and effective.

We do know about our respective sectors and in the planning and development world, there are certainly some systems and regulations that already exist and should be brought in without delay to ensure the development and construction industry doesn’t completely fall over when things start to get back to normal.

Without stating the obvious, planning departments have been understaffed and badly resourced for some years. If the system backs up with proposals and application because Elected Members can’t meet in person or technology lets them down and decisions are delayed, the bedlam when we all get back to work will be catastrophic for the sector.

There are regulations and processes in place that could be used more effectively to ensure there isn’t a log jam. Remote working and digital wizardry are being used by most Council departments, which is great. But now is the time for strong leadership to emerge at the top and delegated powers to be used more regularly.

For those new to the wonderful world of planning, delegated powers can be given to officers and help many Councils to determine planning applications without needing a decision from the Planning Committee.

While most Councils use this for minor applications, perhaps the scope of ‘minor’ needs to be urgently reviewed in these challenging times? I’m not suggesting that huge urban extensions, extensive infrastructure or anything that is controversial should be ‘waved through’. But I am suggesting that schemes that fully comply with adopted policy, have no objections from statutory or third parties, should be obviously the subject of delegated approval by chief or senior planning officers. I have been amazed at where this isn’t the standard approach. It should be.

If temporary governance changes, either agreed at the local or MHCLG level need to come into play to endorse or expand delegated powers, then so be it. There may be those who cry ‘It’s the end of democracy as we know it….’. Well for those of us who have had to deal with the farce of some of the planning system’s red tape over the years – let us at least use some of those regulations including delegated powers pragmatically now. We could avoid major construction headaches in a few months’ time and after all, to paraphrase the ad, every little delegated decision could help.