New planning application process

The Killian-Pretty review into speeding up the planning application system was published today and contained 17 recommendations to establish a faster and more responsive process. Among the recommendations are a presumption that formal pre-application discussions of major developments are held; making a clearer distinction between community infrastructure levy (CIL) and section 106 agreements; and delegating a larger percentage of applications to planning officers to decide without having to go to committee. A consultation period will now follow and the government must decide which recommendations to adopt and when. David Pretty one of the authors of the report said that the planning application process was too slow and was ‘bogged down in unnecessary red tape… It is crucial, particularly given today’s economic climate, that we tackle this problem.’