ACS

ACS welcomes Government intention to simplify the planning system for small commercial changes. The Killian-Pretty Review assessed the current UK planning system and suggested ways of streamlining it.

The Government has announced that by summer 2009 it will be consulting on;

• Draft proposals to extend permitted development rights for businesses and public services - which will make it easier for them to make some small scale alterations or extensions to buildings.
• A possible simplified process for some minor commercial development, such as new shop fronts.
• Draft proposals to streamline information requirements for applicants.
• Possible changes to give local authorities greater flexibility to determine how best to notify the public about planning applications.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “For some retailers the current planning system is complex to understand and a bureaucratic nightmare. Making small alterations to your shop can mean months of negotiations with local authorities. These changes will hopefully lead to a reduction in the time, cost and stress associated with small alterations. This sort of help is welcomed in the current economic market.

“We are reassured that this will not extend to removing important checks on large scale retail developments that require close scrutiny and full consultation. We will work closely with officials to ensure that the reforms make retailers’ lives easier and free officers to focus on applying the rules to the biggest developments.”