ACS

Local leaders will have a stronger role in shaping the future development of our towns and cities under a new planning policy announced today by Housing and Planning Minister Caroline Flint.

The new Planning Policy Statement 12 on local spatial plans means that local plans - which collectively map out the future development of the whole country - must now be more firmly based on a shared vision created with the involvement of public agencies, businesses, voluntary groups and local people.

By leading this process elected local councillors will be able to set out a shared vision ensuring their area's development meets the needs of local communities as well as national standards on sustainable development, for example:

• Providing suitable land for affordable housing;
• Tackling climate change through low carbon development and quality public transport;
• Ensuring that infrastructure such as schools and health clinics are in place;
• Attracting private investment and new jobs into town centres and deprived areas providing prosperity for all;
• Ensuring that development complements each areas distinctiveness, fosters local identity and promotes civic pride.

Councils and their partners will agree these local priorities through close engagement including public meetings, resident's panels, consultations and online forums to produce a Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) and an LDF Core Strategy that will together set out a local vision for their area.

Caroline Flint said: "Local plans are the building blocks that set out the future development of our country, so this new policy will ensure that they meet local needs - whether it's more jobs, affordable homes or green spaces to enjoy.

"These changes also give local leaders greater local legitimacy. They can be confident their visions for the future will succeed if they are based on local priorities and sustainable development.

"I want to see a greater sense of urgency about developing appropriate and effective local plans that set visions, shape outcomes and steer investment into each local area - these plans must be a major priority for any local leader."

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We welcome the Government’s rhetoric on local decision-making and empowering local people, and we want to see this reflected in the content of revised planning guidance for retail which is expected to be consulted on soon.”