Communities and Local Government
A selection of images representing communities.
Direct contact 020 7944 4400- contactus@communities.gov.uk
Background
The Householder Development Consent Review (HDCR) has been a root and branch review during 2005 of the regulations facing householders wanting to improve their homes. HDCR examined ways to streamline application processes and minimise bureaucracy while protecting neighbours' interests and the local environment.
The Review was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister in January 2005, and is part of the Government's reform agenda that is seeking to speed up, simplify and change the culture of planning. The Barker Review of housing supply also recommended that the Government consider increasing the range of permitted development rights for householder applications and alternative routes to obtaining planning permission.
The Department's Five Year Plan, Five year plan - Sustainable communities: Homes for all refers to HDCR in the context of Sustainable Home Ownership (Chapter 4.23).
The Review's Terms of Reference have been published. The Review is looking at options for introducing more proportionate, customer-focussed consent regimes for householders that can free up local authority resources while retaining necessary environmental controls.
The Review has been considering the case for introducing new approaches such as involving neighbours at an earlier stage in the planning process and for resolving disagreements by mediation.
The Review reported back to Ministers and its Householder Development Consents Review: Steering Group Report were published in July 2006. Copies were also sent to local planning authorities in England and stakeholders who have been in contact with the Review during 2005.
