This book is primarily aimed at town and parish councillors in England, dealing with planning applications, appeals and legal redress through the courts. The original scope of this book was much broader. It would have included advice on councils’ involvement in the development plan system and Major Infrastructure Projects. However the advent of the Coalition Government in 2010 with its proposals to axe the Infrastructure Planning Commission and the regional tier of government, together with new legislation on development plans, has changed the planning landscape.
'While the wheels have not quite come off the planning system, it is hanging precariously by the axles.' Editor, Planning: Journal of the Royal Town Planning Institute, Aug. 2010
Thus, with regard to this book, the range of issues has narrowed but those that remain are the “bread and butter” of planning matters dealt with by local councils. To enable readers to keep abreast of changes in law and policy, it was decided to make the maximum use of the internet:
Key words can be entered into a computer search engine or the relevant website address. The former are highlighted in Bold e.g. Use Classes Order. Titles of legislation can be entered directly into your internet word search e.g. Google.
Currently the best source of information on policy is to be found in www.planningportal.gov.uk. Go to the Professional or Government User section: the word search window is at the very top right hand side.
For legislation the best site is the Official Public Information Site: www.opsi.gov.uk. Here again the word search window is at the very top right hand side. Look out for Explanatory Memorandums which outline the purpose of, say a Statutory Instrument in user-friendly language.
However, mindful of the fact that internet access can be difficult in rural areas and there are times when “this document is not available online”, The Stationary Office (TSO) is the place to obtain printed copies. For years HMSO and later TSO was based in Holborn in London. Alas it has decamped to deepest Norwich. To place an order, do ring 0870 600 5522.
From time to time an old policy document is updated by the issue of a consultation document, in preparation for the issue of a new policy document on that subject. Such draft documents carry more weight than the old version, so obtain a copy if it is relevant to your case. Yes, these documents are available online but can be costly to print off. Paper versions are available for free: the name and telephone number of a contact person within the Ministry is to be found amongst the small print listing the publication details amongst the first few pages of the draft document.
'With email and the web about 5% of information is gold dust and the rest irrelevant. The trick is to tell which is which.' “Planning: Journal of the Royal Town Planning Institute”