Privatisation of the processing of planning applications - Public forum - Planning Advisory Service (PAS)

There will be a consultation  document soon, I think.

Consultation document now available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fast-track-applications-to-speed-up-planning-process-and-boost-housebuilding

I agree that there is a lot of sorting out and trialling that will need to be done before this goes ahead - and at least there is reassurance form the governmnet that they realise this too in so fara s they are proposing pilots before going ahead with this.

I see the main issues in trying to define the role of an alternative provider when it comes to negotiation  on behalf of the  council;        there is almost always some degree of balanced judgement required in development management -  especially negotiating s106, but equally where there may be competing policy outcomes. This is exactly how DM differs from Building control, which the con doc cites as the model they have in mind. How does the outsider make these judgements on behalf of the council?  From an applicant perspective I wonder how comfortable I would be about whether an alternative provider is able to provide the certainty that I crave?  How close are the alternative providers going to be able to get to understand the influences on the member decision makers?

But if you want to know more about the proposals from teh mouths of DCLG officers - and have the hchnace to tell them what you think - you should book into one of the round tables that PAS is putting on to discuss competition, s106 dispute resolution and starter homes.  Here is the link to the booking area of the PAS website. http://www.pas.gov.uk/web/pas1/councillors-page/-/journal_content/56/332612/7695489/ARTICLE First of these is Monday 22nd in London, so get your skates on!