Planning law framework ‘would introduce ambiguities’

Posted 22/12/2011

The coalition government’s proposals to reform planning law have been criticised, as they would lead to several ambiguities being introduced.According to the Communities and Local Government Committee in its review of the National Planning Policy Framework, a default answer of ‘yes’ to development needs to be removed from planning law.Clive Betts, chair of the group, stated the wording of the proposals emphasise the importance of economic growth, which he claimed “undermines the equally important environmental and social elements of the planning system”.He explained unsustainable developments may get the green light under the planning law reforms as a result of this.But Mr Betts added the committee is reassured by planning minister Greg Clarke, who has stated he wants to make changes to reduce the risk of this occurring.Killian Hurley, chief executive at Mount Anvil, recently said on a Property Week webinar that the construction sector is in crisis as a result of planning law.