Communities and Local Government
A selection of images representing communities.
Direct contact 020 7944 4400- contactus@communities.gov.uk
- Corporate
- Newsroom
- Speeches, statements and articles
- Launch of the Killian Pretty Review
The Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP
Minister of State
Minister for Housing and Planning, attending Cabinet (October 2008 - June 2009)- View Margaret Beckett's profile
- View speeches, statements or articles by Margaret Beckett
Launch of the Killian Pretty Review
| Date of speech | 24 November 2008 |
|---|---|
| Location | The Work Foundation, London |
Draft text of the speech - may differ from the delivered version.
I want to start by thanking Joanna and David very much for their efforts.
I am sure we will all agree that this has been an extremely useful and comprehensive review; one that will provide a strong foundation for the reforms we need. I also want to thank all those stakeholders who have taken the time to contribute.
It would not be sensible or appropriate for me to outline our full response. In some cases we are talking about significant change, with far-reaching implications. We need some time to fully consider and identify the right way forward; with formal and informal consultation where needed to give people a chance to have their say.
But I also recognise that, in these more difficult times, it's important that government is even more alert and responsive to the needs of business.
Not just to help them address the immediate challenges; but to prepare for the upturn and to lay the groundwork for longer term growth.
Early next year, we will publish a full response to all the recommendations. But there are areas where we can respond immediately; recommendations we can take forward more quickly; and we will act on those now.
Firstly, in extending further the permitted development rights for businesses and public services. Recent changes are already benefiting householders, who are saving time and money by avoiding complex planning applications for small changes like a loft extension.
We want to extend these benefits to small shops, businesses, schools and hospitals so it is easier for them to make minor alterations or build small extensions.
As Joanna and David note, if we get this right, some 15 000 schemes a year will no longer need planning permission; saving potential applicants nearly £30 million.
Secondly, we can cut down the information requirements for planning applications; so that local planning authorities only ask for what they really need to know.
Let me give you an example of the problem.
I saw a recent application from a farmer looking to build a shed. He needed to prepare a statement covering everything from size, location, landscaping, layout… the list went on and on.
No wonder that he got a bit exasperated and wrote "It looks like a typical modern agricultural shed, because that's what it is".
This may be a rather droll example, but businesses don't find it funny being expected to supply information in documents the size of phone books. Especially when the impact on the wider area is very limited.
We must get the balance right, making sure that local planning authorities are only getting the information they really need, and that requirements are proportionate to the likely impact of the development.
Both these changes, will of course, require consultation and involvement from stakeholders to make them work most effectively, and we will start this process as soon as possible.
These are just two changes, but I believe important steps forward in helping to make the planning system faster, fairer and more effective. In the current climate; this is more important than ever before.
