Buying, selling and letting - Planning

Housing Minister Yvette Cooper yesterday set out reforms to the planning system.  Planning Policy Statement 3 was issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government on the 29^th November 2006.  The guidance in the policy statement comes into effect on the 1^st April 2007 but may influence planning decisions before that date.

The guidance requires local authorities to identify a 15 year supply of development land for housing and sets a national minimum density of 30 dwellings per hectare for new developments.  A target of 60% is set for new development to be provided on previously developed land (Brownfield land).

Luke Carter, Head of Planning at Strutt & Parker’s Brighton office comments “The requirement for local authorities to identify a 15 year supply of land is welcomed, as this will give more surety to land owners and property developers.  However, it remains to be seen whether local authorities have adequate resources to identify sufficient sites given the strict requirements for greater public consultation at every stage of the plan making process”.