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Planning reforms proposed - 22 May 2007

Ruth Kelly, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has published a report on the UK’s planning system. The White Paper, which is based on Kate Barker’s review of land use planning, aims to simplify the local planning system for homeowners – making it easier for improvements such as conservatories and extensions to go ahead.

The proposal would mean that planning permission would not be required for minor developments, as long as there was little or no impact on neighbours. In addition, minor alterations, such as moving a door, should be granted permission without the homeowner having to submit a full-scale application.

“It is 60 years since the Attlee Government introduced the Town and Country Planning Act,” said Kelly. “But today we face challenges that the Attlee Government could never have foreseen. We need a simpler system that is quicker, but which locks in community consultation at every stage of the process.”

The White Paper also covers climate change, planning support in town centres and major infrastructure schemes.

 

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