Norfolk council leaders challenge Angela Rayner on planning reforms

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 11:32 · Archive

Norfolk council leaders have warned that new planning rules coming into effect on 31 October risk weakening democratic accountability.

Norfolk County Council leaders have warned that new planning rules coming into effect on 31 October risk weakening democratic accountability. The Labour government's changes follow amendments to national planning policy. Reform-led Norfolk County Council reluctantly agreed to change its constitution in line with the new regulations, but councillors said they feared they were 'losing control' of planning.

The new system divides planning applications into two schedules. Schedule one applications, including home extensions and proposals for between one and nine new homes on sites smaller than 1.2 acres, will always be delegated to officers for decisions. Schedule two applications will only be referred to committees if they pass a 'gateway test' agreed by a nominated officer and nominated member. The gateway test applies if the officer and member agree the applications raise 'one or more issues of economic, social or environmental significance to the local area' or where the application raises a significant planning matter. The government says what constitutes 'significant' will vary depending on the local area.

The changes also remove councillors' ability to 'call in' applications or request they be referred to committees if a certain number of objections are received. County Hall's deputy leader Robin Hunter-Clarke has written to local government secretary Angela Rayner warning her the changes represent an 'unnecessary and damaging restriction on local democratic decision-making' and urging her to be prepared to reconsider the reforms.

How it is being reported

• Norfolk leaders challenge Angela Rayner on 'damaging' planning changesNew planning rules risk weakening democratic accountability, Norfolk council leaders have warned Angela Rayner.Norwich Evening News · 21 Oct, 10:50
• Norfolk leaders challenge Angela Rayner on 'damaging' planning changesNew planning rules risk weakening democratic accountability, Norfolk council leaders have warned Angela Rayner.Eastern Daily Press · 21 Oct, 10:50

In this story: Angela Rayner · Robin Hunter-Clarke · Norfolk County Council · Norfolk

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