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[CLKD]

what happened to David Cameron's idea that Plans should be discussed at local level and not be 'called in'?

Our local Councils don't stand a chance against large developers: :-((((.  The below is taken from a report on local BBC News this week:



A council has had its power to make decisions on major planning applications removed by the government.

Uttlesford District Council in Essex was "not adequately performing" when it came to determining applications, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) said.

"Developers can now apply directly to the government's Planning Inspectorate.

The council, run by the independent Residents for Uttlesford party, said it was "disappointed".

DLUHC said 16.5% of the council's major planning decisions were overturned at appeal during the two years to March 2020".[/i]

[CrispyChick]

'not adequately performing' CLKD.

There have to be some rules that local councils follow. In the Planning system - it is a plan led system, whereby the Council's Local Plan sets out priorities for the future... These are produced by the Local Council. If they then go against the Local Plan on decisions time and time again... They are not performing adequately.

The Local Plan is there to give certainly to both the community and developers.

If a Council constantly refuses permission and it goes to appeal and the inspectorate approve (which reads like the case here - only having read your post) this is most likely because the Council are refusing contrary to their own Local Plan!!

Sometimes councils need to take unpopular decisions, often elected Councillors struggle to do so. Appeals cost us all in monetary terms.

[CLKD]

Tnx.  That's why the Big Companies know that they can proceed.  Regardless. They puts in Plans which are approved, then alter them once the first % of properties have been built, knowing full well that the LCs don't have enough funds to fight - locally Plans were passed for new housing developments which had to contain - by Law - a % of 'affordable' housing.  Then the Builders told the Council that affordable housing wouldn't benefit anyone in the local area!

Which meant that the 8 bungalows designed for wheelchair users or those with additional needs, are now 3 storey houses in a terrace!

It's happened a lot across many Counties - locals don't want big warehousing or large 'little boxes'-type estates.  We campaign against but the Plans go to the Government who don't give a toss as to the effect on local feelings or the countryside.

There is a reason for Plans to be rejected, usually because they don't fit with the local environment.  Or because villages haven't implemented their Local Plans - many weren't aware of the necessity until the last minute as it wasn't 'pushed' by the government. 

[CrispyChick]

CLKD - your Council should be fighting for the affordable element, if permission was approved with a %. Are you saying they reapplied and on appeal the affordable element was removed???

"There is a reason for Plans to be rejected, usually because they don't fit with the local environment"

I'm sorry, this cannot be the case. The Planning Inspectorate are an independent body and they must follow the planning legislation and the Local Plan policy of the local Council.

What they have is no emotion or locational attachment to your area. They take an impartial view - but that is based on the planning issues and the Local Plan.

What you'll often find is Council's have adopted Local Plans (planning policy) which locals are unaware of. Local campaigns will sway elected Members... But the Inspectorate are there to ensure consistency and uphold the policies. All Council's employ charteted Town Planners - on large applications they make recommendation but Elected Members determine. I'll bet many of those overturned by the Inspectorate were recommended for approval by the Planning Officer in the first place.

If this wasn't the case, nobody would be allowed to build anywhere.

If it is simply design that is an issue, rather than principal of development - you should be lobbying for better design policies from your local council, so they can then better control what comes forward.

 

[CLKD]

The Council that oversees our Planning has the local MP working against the huge warehouses that are up for discussion.  Warehouses that are way OTT for the fields which have been sold to them.  Already the Plans have been moved into nearby fields which didn't belong to them after the initial Plans were put in, which includes a large pond where newts are said to live.

Councils are unable to justify fighting for 'affordable element' when they know they are unlikely to win their case.  Especially when not many are aware of what happens once Plans are passed, locals would prefer the monies to be spent on filling in potholes.  They are not aware that this is a totally different budget, most think that any money at Council can be used for what ever is seen to be required  .  I can tell that by Facebook!

Tnx for your very clear input.  What Councils should be fighting for ain't often the reality.  Due to lack of funds.  Hopefully the warehousing local to me won't be allowed,
however 

As an aside, there was an article last week where farmers had got together to buy specific fields: but the Power Companies had gazumped the prices, which means that the farming land will be covered with solar farms for at least 30 years.  Originally these were supposed to be taken down after 25 years, now the years are quietly being increased.  One has to some extent, blame the land owners!

[sheila99]

The sums don't add up for small developments which is why developments now seem to either a second house in a large garden or 100 houses. No wonder it's causing so much aggravation, most people could put up with half a dozen houses but not an estate. Chickens are coming home to roost. They've happily imported millions of people over the years without a thought about the millions more houses we will need. Most councils think the government are forcing them to allocate far more land to building than either they or the residents want.