News Headlines

Planning fees to increase by 15%

Wednesday, 4th July, 2012

The government is to increase the planning application fee by 15% from this autumn.

The move was announced by minister for decentralisation and cities Greg Clark this week as part of the wider planning simplification review.

Rhian Kelly, CBI director for business environment, said the increase could put a strain on cautious developers.

?Hard-pressed businesses and investors will expect the fee increase to be matched by service improvements, and the onus is on the government to monitor performance, so that investment is not deterred,? she warned.

The government has also announced a consultation on changes to the Use Class Order, which proposes allowing the reuse of existing buildings without applying formally for planning permission. The consultation runs until September 11, 2012.

Clark said: ?Our reforms to the planning system are making it simpler, clearer and more accesible to people in communities.

?Our aim is to have a system that applicants and members of communities can be confident will give a reliable, swift and fair outcome.?

Under the new measures organisations supporting neighbourhood planning, including the Royal Town Planning Institute, the Prince?s Foundation for Building Community, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England and Locality, will receive extra funding.

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/news/planning-fees-to-increase-by-15/5039178.article