Planners welcome Government announcement allowing extra time on planning permissions

23-Nov-09

Press Notice from the Royal Town Planning Institute

Monday 23rd November 2009 PR52

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), the professional body representing 22,000 of Britain’s planners, has strongly backed the Government’s confirmation that it is now possible for local authorities to extend the life of an existing planning permission.

Importantly, the Government has accepted the RTPI’s recommendation that the discretion to do so remains in the hands of local councils.

The move is a direct response to helping developers who have been granted planning permission but due to the recession are unable to start construction. The change in the law will enable developers to apply to their local council for an extension and could help to safeguard hundreds of proposed developments across the country.

Matt Thomson, Acting Director of Policy and Partnerships at the RTPI said:

“We're glad the Government has listened and accepted our strong recommendation that the final power to make a decision about whether and how long planning permissions should be extended rests with local planning authorities. This move makes sense in a time of recession, with councils being able to use this new power as they see fit to ensure development remains on track and benefits the local community and the wider economy.”

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 response to consultation on extending planning permission

This can be viewed at http://www.rtpi.org.uk/download/6893/RTPI-response-to-Flexibility-for-Planning-Permissions.pdf

2.       Greater Flexibility for Planning Permission: Guidance

This can be viewed at http://www.info4local.gov.uk/documents/publications/1390243

3.       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 

 
Author:
Jamie Hodge
Publisher:
The Royal Town Planning Institute
Date:
23-Nov-09
Categories:
 
Sections:
News & Media

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