New powers tabled to force local plans

摘要

The introduction of new powers allowing the government to force local authorities and county councils to work together to develop local plans is one of three new amendments to the Neighbourhood Planning Bill. The other two amendments confirm the introduction of a statutory duty to have a local plan in place, as well enabling the government to digitise local plans to improve public access to them. Construction News was invited to a briefing at the MIPIM UK property event last week with housing minister Gavin Barwell, who said the amendments sought to take the "confrontation" out of the planning system.