Localism Act
The Decentralisation and Localism Bill was published in the House of Commons on December 13, 2010, and was given royal assent on November 14, 2011 (full details on our Localism Act update page).
The provisions of the Act are expected to be introduced by April 2012, but we are still waiting on the Draft National Planning Policy Framework, expected to be published in March 2012.
The Act has significant ramifications for future planning and property development, introducing neighbourhood planning and local development orders, removing the RSS new house number targets, and easing the restrictions on local councillors. Chelgate Planning has produced a briefing on the communications and engagement elements of the Act, and how they impact upon developers and planners when considering a new project (please click on any of the bullet points to get further information):
- The Localism Act has received Royal Assent
- End of ‘pre-determination’ – councillors can now do what they are supposed to do: represent the communities they were elected by
- Developers need to engage with communities before any application is made
- Localism Act introduces neighbourhood plans and neighbourhood development orders, and also compensates and incentivises Communities that accept development
- Developers and planners should review their planning communications, stakeholder engagement and community consultation approaches in light of the planning reforms
- Guidance on appointing the right planning communications consultancy.
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Click here for the latest briefings on the Localism Act, National Planning Policy Framework, Community Infrastructure Levy and New Homes Bonus.
