Changes to Planning Laws and CPRE – 29th Oct 2020

The Government is currently consulting – until 29th Oct 2020 on upon changes to planning laws which seek to speed up planning permission for new developments.

You can read the full document here but the gist is that:

Housing numbers would be set more centrally.
Planning Authorities should classify land into 3 categories: growth, renewal and protected.
The planning process should be much quicker and based on Local Plans that are much more map-based, digital and with rule-based transparency.
Neighbourhood plans (of which there are now over 2600) will survive BUT may need updating and digitising to reflect changed Local Plans.
Design codes might offer a visual supplement to Local and Neighbourhood Plans to encourage fit with local character.
Greater clarity as to what new infrastructure will accompany new developments funded by a Community Infrastructure Levy on developers.

The Council for the Preservation of Rural England (CPRE) has provided the text below:

The following text has come from Government Planning Reforms – have your say!

The Government is currently consulting on a major shake up to the planning system that would see:

The introduction of nationally-imposed housing targets
An increase in housing numbers in the south-east, but a fall in other parts of the country
A significant reduction in local involvement – Community engagement would be largely restricted to the Local Plan making stage (as it stands, just one six-week consultation), with the public thereafter losing their ability to scrutinise most individual planning applications.

Countryside campaigners CPRE Oxfordshire are concerned about the impact these changes will have on our rural county. You can read more about the issues on their website at www.cpreoxon.org.uk

The Government’s White Paper – Planning for the Future – is out for consultation until 29^th October 2020, but the debate will continue thereafter so there is still time to share your views with your local MP.

CPRE (Oxfordshire) are also seeking trustees. See the text below.

CPRE Oxfordshire – Trustees WantedDo you care about your local countryside? Want to make a difference?

CPRE Oxfordshire is the voice of the countryside in Oxfordshire. We fight for the right development in the right place and work to protect, promote and enhance our amazing local landscapes and rural character.

Due to retirement of current members, we are looking for a number of new trustees, including a treasurer, to join the team.

By volunteering with us you will be helping to find positive solutions for the issues facing the countryside and the environment. By applying your skills and experience you can make a real difference and be a central part of our friendly and passionate charity.

To find out more…
Please contact our Branch Secretary Dorian Grier: E: dorian.cpre@gmail.com or leave a message on our office phone: T: 01491 612079.

Role descriptions can be downloaded from the CPRE Oxfordshire website www.cpreoxon.org.uk

Application deadline is 31st October 2020 in the first instance, but we are happy to receive expressions of interest on an ongoing basis.