Matt Thomson, Head of Policy at the RTPI said:

“These proposals are a minefield and risk creating a two-tier planning system, rife with suspicion, where wealthy developers may appear to receive preferential treatment ahead of those who cannot or do not wish to pay an extra fee.

The RTPI believes the planning system needs to be properly resourced but creating a new scheme  based on the ability to pay seems ready-made for conflicts of interest, allegations of interference, and raised expectations among applicants about the chances of their proposals succeeding.

We need a debate about how to make the planning system work even more efficiently but this proposal could be seen by many as wealthy developers greasing the wheels of local government bureaucracy.”

The RTPI believes that if it is accepted that decisions can be speeded up by securing greater resources through increasing planning application fees, then the planning profession needs to decide whether fees should be increased across the board.  However, there are processes and variables in the consideration of planning applications – including effective local consultation – that cannot be avoided simply by throwing money at them.

If applicants are to be encouraged to put resources into speeding up consideration of their proposals, they could do a lot worse than to ensure they prepare applications that clearly accord with the aspirations of communities expressed through their development plans and pre-application discussions and consultations. 

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Jamie Hodge, Communications & Public Affairs Officer. RTPI

jamie.hodge@rtpi.org.uk or 07969 976 799

Notes to Editors

1. RTPI: The Royal Town Planning Institute

The RTPI is the largest professional institute for planners in Europe, with over 22,000 members. As well as promoting spatial planning, RTPI develops and shapes policy affecting the built environment, works to raise professional standards and supports members through continuous education, training and development.

For further general information, visit the RTPI website at: www.rtpi.org.uk

41 Botolph Lane, London, EC3R 8DL

RTPI, a charity registered in England 262865 and Scotland SC 037841

2. Press places for Young Planners Conference

A limited number of press places are available for the conference. To request your place, please contact jamie.hodge@rtpi.org.uk

Author:

Jamie Hodge

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

28-Aug-09

Categories:

 

Sections:

News & Media , The RTPI

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