Becoming lawful through long user
If you carry out works or a change of use on your land for which you should have obtained planning permission but you did not actually seek planning permission for the change of use or the works then there is a breach of planning control. However, section 171B of the Town [...]
With the general election looming the Conservative Party has launched a planning Green Paper proposing wide ranging reforms to the planning system if they get into power. It is fair to say that their proposals have received a mixed response. So if the Conservative Party takes power then what will the planning world look like?
Third [...]
The High Court has recently had to consider two building projects that at first glance seem similar where both parties had built a house in the countryside without planning permission, disguising the house as another structure entirely, in the hope that after four years they could take advantage of planning law to claim immunity from [...]
The Government has issued a consultation paper seeking views on proposals to change the planning system in relation to permitted development rights for small scale renewable and low carbon technologies and for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The consultation period ends on 9 February 2010.
Why the interest in renewables?
In May 2007 the Government published the [...]
Planning Minister John Healy has instructed the Chief Planner to write to all local planning authorities in England reminding them that they have powers to establish clear local policies to prevent inappropriate building on back gardens. This was prompted by the publication of independent research by Kingston University despite the fact that the research found [...]
The Department for Communities and Local Government is consulting on proposals to improve conditions attached to planning permissions. The consultation paper was issued in December 2009 and responses must be received by 19 March 2010. The consultation has arisen in response to a recommendation in the Killian Pretty Review that the Government should improve the [...]
The first of the long awaited National Policy Statements was published in draft on 9 November 2009 and provides the context for decision making by the Infrastructure Planning Commission on energy infrastructure and ports. The National policy statement is out for consultation until 22 February 2010. It comprises one overarching energy policy document and one [...]
On 10 November 2009 the Environment Agency published its new corporate strategy – Creating a better place 2010-2015. The strategy confirms plans to increase flood protection for 200,000 properties, both homes and businesses, in England and Wales by 2015. It sets out the aims of the Environment Agency for the next five years and explains [...]
Barnet Council is looking at introducing a system whereby it will charge higher planning fees if applicants want their applications processed faster. At the moment this is only intended to apply to householder applications but, if successful, this could be expanded to commercial applications as well.
The Council is keen to move away from a one [...]
A new circular 08/2009 for heritage applications was published on 13 November 2009. At Annex A of the new circular is the Notification to the Secretary of State (England) Direction 2009. This direction will take effect from 1 December 2009 for applications which are received on or after that date.
The direction extends the categories [...]
