Lawyer encourages local groups to take advantage of new Localism Act
Tuesday 29th November 2011
Communities may benefit from new powers for local groups to submit planning proposals, a leading lawyer has said.
John Bosworth, head of planning law at law firm Ashfords LLP, said the Localism Act 2011, which received Royal Assent on 15 November, heralds a new era of decentralisation in respect of planning control.
Controversially, under the Act, local groups are being given the chance to have powers to decide the planning policies for their areas through the use of neighbourhood plans, development orders and community right to build orders.
The proposed plans are ultimately approved by a local referendum, after which stage a local planning authority must give them legal effect.
If an area has a parish council, then the powers are primarily aimed at them. In areas where there is no town or parish council, any group of 21 residents and businesses can come together to submit proposals.
John Bosworth, head of planning law at Ashfords Solicitors, said:
"Over the years, I have often heard local groups complain that the planning system feels too remote. Now there is a chance for them to take up these powers for the benefit of their communities"
He added: "As an example of what local communities can hope to achieve, a group in Lynton & Lynmouth, North Devon are proposing providing local affordable housing, improving business opportunities, promoting renewable sources of energy and protecting and enhancing the natural and built environment in their proposed neighbourhood plan as one of the Government's pilot schemes."
If you are a parish council, or if you are thinking of getting together with other local residents and businesses and are interested in preparing a neighbourhood plan Ashfords can provide a free bespoke advice session on how to get started. Please contact John Bosworth, head of the planning department, on 01392 333842.
Ashfords LLP is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The information in this note is intended to be general information about English law only and not comprehensive. It is not to be relied on as legal advice nor as an alternative to taking professional advice relating to specific circumstances.
