New planning rules announced this week in the Localism Bill have the potential to enhance local democracy provided communities are given the right kind of support.
The new rules in the proposed Localism Bill for neighbourhood planning could be a real opportunity for local communities to make radical changes to their local environment.
But the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) fears that without safeguards in place to help communities through the complexities of planning laws and policies the Bill could just as easily lead to poor and unsustainable development.
Debbie Tripley, ELF Chief Executive, said: “There is much that is welcome for local communities in the new Bill. We have been saying for many years that local communities need to be treated as real stakeholders when it comes to planning their local environments.
“This Bill could allow communities to shape their own localities. However, safeguards need to be put in place to ensure neighbourhood forums will not be subject to undue influence as a result of the need to find financing to run the forum and put forward proposals.
“There is no money to support communities to procure their plans and no requirement for genuine collaboration and representation of the local community voice. This could mean that local communities end up with more of what they dislike rather than less.
“It is also imperative that communities remember that what is built today will be a legacy for future generations; they have an opportunity to preserve their environment for their children and their children’s children. This is what ELF aims to help communities achieve.”
ELF says it is disappointed that the Third Party Rights of Appeal have been dropped from the bill.
She continued: “With so much power being devolved at the local level third party rights of appeal could provide an important safeguard for local communities against controversial or unlawful developments.”
ELF research shows that truly participative community engagement provides better quality decision-making and leads to greater environmental protection.
The organisation says measures are needed so that marginalised communities are supported and encouraged to participate effectively in the new system. The equalities impact of the Bill’s introduction should be carefully monitored.
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