Item 1(b)

LGA ENVIRONMENT BOARD: 17 JULY 2007

The National Planning Forum (NPF):

Cross-sectoral views on the Planning White Paper

The National Planning Forum:

the principal cross-sectoral voice on planning issues in England - committed to finding common ground / informing differences of opinion

key agent for change in delivering a better planning service

over 100 members from 5 sectors - Government + Agencies, Local Government, Business, Third Sector, and Professions

mission: “to inspire planning and all those involved in planning…. and to help achieve quality, inspiring places that enhance productivity as well as people’s well-being”

The National Planning Forum – Executive Board:

Representing the 5 sectors, providing leadership and direction

Current Chair: Mark Southgate, Environment Agency and Vice- Chair Government and its Agencies; Paul Bettison, LGA and Vice-Chair Local Government; Liz Peace, BPF and Vice-Chair Business; Mike Hayes, RTPI and Vice-Chair Professions; Simon Marsh, RSPB and Vice-Chair 3rd sector;

supported by Kay Powell, NPF Secretary

Planning White Paper : initial NPF views on the town & country planning proposals:Welcome for: endorsement of the value of the planning system the move from regulation to positive planning, and the opportunity for planning to support the place-shaping agenda changes to allow DPD withdrawal/amendment introduction of planning process agreements the conclusions of the Householder Development Consents Reviewbut a need for: clarity on separation of central and local government roles changes in practice as well as process incentives for local government to encourage development less opportunity for judicial review of decisions more detail on the proposals before taking a final view environmental safeguards for householder permitted develt more clarity in national planning policy; draft PPS4 Economic Develt overdue

Planning White Paper : initial NPF views on the town and country planning proposals cont’d:Concerns: about the evidence base for the Barker Reviews if the review of national planning policy reduced the strength of environmental policy about the potential to undermine the plan-led system about the absence of a national planning framework about implications of deregulating planning fees about the implications of the Heritage White Paper for the planning system and vice-versaDifference of view on: member review panels the need for mandatory training for councillors planning gain supplement

Planning White Paper : initial NPF views on the town and country planning proposals cont’d:Need to: consider the implications for those areas with 2 tiers of local government resolve national/local tensions recognise the value of the regional level in resolving conflicts reduce the complexity involved in making planning applications seize the opportunity to share best practice in order to secure better outcomes across the country encourage more culture change in ALL the sectors that are involved in planning

Planning White Paper : initial NPF views on major infrastructure projects (MIPS): business considers the proposals “on the right track” but is concerned that any controversy they cause should not de-rail the town and country planning proposals concerns about whether MIPS would deliver for the environment or local communities (IPC) welcome the proposals as current delays in taking decisions on major projects are unacceptable concerns about the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), its legitimacy, representativeness, and whether it would have: the necessary expertise, local discretion, and a role in scrutinising National Policy Statements (NPS) MIPS legislation should include sustainable development duty National Policy Statements should be subject to a test of soundness

Web-site: http://www.natplanforum.org.uk