The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill acts upon long running asks from councils and the LGA for further devolution in England. We are pleased that the Government has proposed to speed up the process and make good on its commitment to offer all of England the opportunity to benefit from a devolution deal by 2030. It is also important that councils of all sizes are engaged in the devolution process.
Amendment statements
Amendment relating to planning consultation
Amendment 257B tabled by Baroness Pinnock (Liberal Democrat) would retain the right of local residents to be heard in decisions about local planning which affect them.
- The LGA supports this amendment. Our Keep Planning Local campaign calls for a locally-led planning system in which councils and the communities they represent have a say over the way places develop. This will ensure the delivery of high-quality affordable homes with the necessary infrastructure to create sustainable, resilient places.
Amendment relating to planning fees
Amendment 283 tabled by Baroness Young of Old Scone (Labour) would enable statutory consultees, who are required to provide expert advice to Local Planning Authorities and other planning decision makers on the potential risks and impacts of development proposals on sensitive areas (eg SSSIs, flood risk zones) and on opportunities for environmental enhancement, to recover their costs from applicants seeking planning permissions.
- The LGA supports this amendment. Enabling statutory consultees the ability to recoup costs from applicants when responding to consultations or providing expert advice on the potential risks and impacts of development proposals on sensitive areas may help ensure those consultees have sufficient capacity and resource to provide relevant and necessary feedback to local planning authorities. This will help lead to better environmental outcomes from proposed development.