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Action To Help London Developers During Downturn And Build Greener Buildings
Developers in London will be given more time to start building and further flexibility to adapt plans, under a package of new measures announced by Housing Minister John Healey today to support the industry during these tough economic times. Mr Healey also announced changes for developers to build to greener standards, making homes cheaper to heat and run.
There has been a sharp drop-off in the number of permissions which are being taken up, so for a temporary period, a simpler and cheaper way of extending the life of planning consent is being introduced. Currently, permissions that are not used expire automatically – usually after three years. If developments can’t be built because of economic conditions it could delay economic recovery, as those schemes would have to be reapplied for when conditions pick up.
He also spoke about important measures to simplify the system - making it easier to apply for planning permission in the first place. This included giving local authorities the freedom to make changes to large developments and town centres by using Local Development Orders (LDOs). The LDOs will make it easier to for developers and councils to find new uses for empty shops on the high street and expand businesses and industrial estates. During the speech, it was announced that Government will fund up to 12 local authorities to create LDOs, working with the Planning Advisory Service.
Mr Healey also launched a consultation on changes to the Building Regulations to deliver the first step towards zero carbon buildings and carbon savings of over three million tonnes a year from 2020. An important plank of the government’s commitment to tackling climate change, the proposals would require a 25 per cent improvement in energy efficiency standards for new homes and other buildings from October 2010. This will require better insulation and draught-proofing, better low-energy lighting and more efficient boilers. The higher energy efficiency standards will also mean lower fuel bills - by up to £100 a year for an average home.
In his speech to the Royal Town and Planning Institute in London, Mr Healey said:
“ “We recognise development is difficult during the downturn, so we need to do what we can to cut out unnecessary bureaucracy and keep developments warm and keep plans on the table. And through LDOs and the funding for 12 pilot projects I’m announcing today, we’re making it easier for councils to revive their high streets by finding new uses for empty shops or support other local businesses as they see fit.’
“The LGA, the British Property Federation (BPF) and the CBI have all called for local authorities to have the power to extend the time limits for existing planning permissions without the need for a completely fresh application.
The Government will also be making the process of preparing Local Development Orders (LDOs) simpler. LDOs allow local authorities the opportunity to permit small-scale development without the need for planning permission to meet local needs more effectively.
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