This is the RTPI's response to the 2019 Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government Consultation on whether and how legislative reforms might ensure that, in future, where it is appropriate for a development corporation to be used, a fit-for-purpose model exists. The consultation document covers three main areas of potential change: involving the private sector; use of development corporations by local areas; and comparable powers for development corporations.
The RTPI's response considers the potential of development corporations to facilitate pro active, strategic planning. However, we are clear that development corporations can only be effective where they are established on a sufficiently long term basis, in collaboration with existing local statutory bodies within the area, are sufficiently resourced, and have clear structures for democratic accountability.
We welcome the chance to respond to this consultation. Development corporations could be an important part of tackling the housing crisis. Local authorities play a key role in responding to different needs in their areas, however, there are some situations, in particular cross-boundary and large-scale developments, where Development Corporations can be effective. In these cases, Development Corporations may be appropriate, providing they are established on a sufficiently long term basis, in collaboration with existing local statutory bodies within the area, are sufficiently resourced, and have clear structures for democratic accountability.