Planning partnerships guide to speed up large scale developments

Date published: 07 June 2008

A new guide to speed up planning partnerships between councils and developers was published by Planning Minister, Iain Wright.

The new ‘step by step guide’ sets out a logical process for identifying what should be done, when and by whom to reduce problems and speed up new major developments through the planning system.

The voluntary Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs) between a local planning authority and an applicant provide a project management framework for handling large and complex planning applications.

All PPAs that meet agreed timetables will be excluded from the standard 13 week decision threshold meaning developers no longer have to worry about target disincentives.

The new guidance also includes good practice examples developed during the pilot study to help achieve successful planning applications.

Last year pilot projects were run which showed that PPAs added value to the planning system by improving the quality and outcomes of the planning approval process.

Iain Wright visited the Stockwell Park PPA pilot scheme in Brixton this week where he discussed the benefits of having a PPA with Council staff and the developer, the Network Housing Group and heard how it helped agree the 550 new home development.

Planning Minister, Iain Wright said: "The pressures on housing supply and the challenges faced by those involved in delivering high quality, sustainable development continue to increase”

“We are committed to improving the planning processes which is why we introduced Planning Performance Agreements. They make a real difference to bringing forward quality new development through better project management.”

“I was particularly impressed how the Planning Performance Agreement in Stockwell Park brought the different groups together and helped empower the community to shape the place they live in.

“The new ‘ATLAS guide’ will really help developers, local councils and communities create strong planning partnerships that find real solutions to complex planning issues.”

Richard Saunders, Case officer for Stockwell Park Estate said: “The PPA process provided a framework for the efficient handling of the planning application. It enabled both the local authority and applicants to track the application's progress, identify key issues, agree on deadlines and timescales and revise these by agreement if necessary. It provided greater certainty in the process for all concerned.”

PPAs formalise the communication process between the local planning authority right through to completion. They help bring about early engagement on projects between partners with more collaborative working, project leadership and community involvement.
This framework commits both parties to an agreed timetable containing ‘milestones’ including:

• An agreed timetable to replace the standard thirteen weeks target. 
• Clarifies in advance what level of evidence, resources and community engagement are required. 
• Ensures that all relevant aspects such as sustainability assessments and design standards are properly considered. 
• Councils can agree an appropriate charge for providing this service.

Andrew Whitaker, Head of Planning, Home Builders Federation Ltd welcomed the development of PPAs. He said:

“PPAs are a positive tool for genuine partnership working between the private and public sectors ensuring that, for what are often complex development projects in an ever increasingly complex policy environment, the planning process becomes more transparent and timely.”