Communications and marketing Presentation by Jennifer Moore, Head of Planning Peter McAnespie, Policy Team Leader Date 17 July 2012 NPPF/Localism Act: Enforcement & Neighbourhood Planning
Communications and marketing Enforcement – NPPF para 207 “Effective enforcement is important as a means of maintaining public confidence in the planning system. Enforcement action is discretionary, and local planning authorities should act proportionately in responding to suspected breaches of planning control. Local planning authorities should consider publishing a local enforcement plan to manage enforcement proactively, in a way that is appropriate to their area. This should set out how they will monitor the implementation of planning permissions, investigate alleged cases of unauthorised development and take action where it is appropriate to do so.””
Communications and marketing Interim Approach & Next Steps Circulars 10/97 – Enforcing Planning Control; and 02/05 Temporary Stop Notices remain in force Interim position – rely on PPG18 Local Enforcement Plan – within 12 months
Communications and marketing Power to Decline to determine retrospective applications (section 123) …where previous Enforcement Notices exist for any part of the development Significant impact on the applicant Careful consideration of the power – just and EN alone would not be enough; might resolve an enforcement problem, nature of previous notices, development plan etc A technical judgment by officers, in consultation with certain members – weekly decisions list
Communications and marketing Neighbourhood Plans Not a statutory duty, but a right to do so General Regs (SI 2012 No 637) – light touch Conditions: Must have regard to national policy Must be in general conformity with strategic policies in DP (Core Strategy) Must be compatible with EU obligations & Human Rights requirements Can’t address “excluded development “ e.g. County Matters (e.g. schools, minerals & waste) and Nationally Significant Infrastructure
Communications and marketing Neighbourhood Plans: Council Responsibilities Designation of Neighbourhood Areas & Neighbourhood Forums a relevant body = a Parish Council Area = a parish (whole or part, jointly) Checking Compliance with Legal Requirements Publicising the Plan & Receiving Representations Organising & Paying for the Examination and appointing an inspector Organising & Paying for the Referendum Providing Technical Advice & Support
Communications and marketing Technical Advice & Support The local planning authority must…. ‘give such advice or assistance to qualifying bodies as, in all the circumstances, they consider appropriate for the purpose of or in connection with, facilitating the making of proposals for neighbourhood development order (or plans) in relation to neighbourhood areas within their area. Nothing in this paragraph is to be read as requiring the giving of financial assistance.’ Schedule 4B(3) of the Localism Act
Communications and marketing General Assistance meeting local communities interested in neighbourhood planning at an early stage, setting out the general scope/areas of support that can be provided advising &/or assisting local communities to prepare a plan that will be fit for independent examination attending briefings and meetings advising on consultation and engagement
Communications and marketing Technical Assistance area and site plans technical reports/extracts technical information held on sites any other information that is in the public domain could be subject to administrative or printing charges
Communications and marketing Costs DCLG - £20,000 for pilots Localism Bill - £17,000 - £63,000 Examination : £5-10k Referendum : £7k Other : officer costs in time/advisory roles Funding: NHB, CIL, Formula Grant, Developers?
Communications and marketing Further Learning Resources: DCLG Introductory Guide & Other Information: pdf m/neighbourhoodplanningvanguards/ FAQ: pdf pdf Regulations SI 2012 / 637: Planning Advisory Service – Ward Cllrs Guide
Communications and marketing Any questions?