NELC response to Government on proposed changes to National Planning Policy

North East Lincolnshire Council is to formally respond to Government consultation on proposed changes to national planning policies.

Government issued an open consultation to seek views on the changes that were recently outlined in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Following a meeting of the authority’s Cabinet, it has been agreed for senior officers to work with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Infrastructure and Transport Cllr Stewart Swinburn to ensure views on the proposed changes are issued to Government by the deadline of July 23.

The Bill was introduced to the UK Parliament in March as a key part of the Government's plan to build 1.5 million homes and reform the planning system. The Government believes the changes will streamline the planning process for infrastructure projects and encourage community engagement. 

In a paper presented to the Cabinet meeting, responses to the consultation questions asked were outlined.

These included the authority’s thoughts on a new two-tier structure for the national scheme of delegation.  Applications that are ‘delegated’ do not have to go before a committee for decision but can be determined by officers of the local planning authority as they are deemed simpler or less contentious.

In response, North East Lincolnshire Council says it welcomes the ambition to drive efficiency but has concerns that the proposed sized-based two-tier approach could be too simplistic

“Complexity and importance are not just defined by the size or definition of the application type but by its location, type and interest,” says the answer.

It adds: “The lived experience in North East Lincolnshire is that both minor commercial and also, residential applications are seldom without their challenges and are often controversial raising behavioural, economic and social balance considerations with substantial public interest.

“To remove minor applications totally from a decision by Planning Committee undermines the ‘safety-net’ of the planning process whereby applications can be determined by a collective committee.”

Another element of the proposed changes is to ensure Planning Committee members have the appropriate training. On this aspect, the Cabinet report outlines how this already takes place in North East Lincolnshire.

Following the meeting, Cllr Swinburn said: “The very thorough response we are providing as an authority shows the expertise that we hold within our planning team and the acknowledgement of the complexities of issues that rests with them.

“In the coming months there are some challenging issues ahead, such as the Government’s new house building targets and another public consultation into a new Local Plan, which is required as a result of those new targets. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank all involved in these processes.”

You can see the Cabinet report on www.nelincs.gov.uk/meetings/cabinet-4/, item 5.