Government hands planning powers back to three local authorities in light of improvements

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government issued notices de-designating all three councils last week (6 June).

Uttlesford was the first among the three councils to have its planning powers revoked, when the Secretary of State issued a designation notice in respect of applications for planning permission for major development in February 2022.

The move meant that developers were required to submit major planning applications directly to the Planning Inspectorate, rather than Uttlesford.

The notice was in exercise of the powers conferred by section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

The de-designation notice issued for Uttlesford by Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook last week said the Secretary of State is now satisfied that the council had "provided adequate evidence of sufficient improvement against areas of weakness identified in an initial assessment of its performance".

It added that Uttlesford would also not be eligible for designation based on the most recent data currently available.

Cllr John Evans, Portfolio Holder for Planning at Uttlesford Council, said the notice "ensures that local voices remain at the heart of decision-making and takes back control for residents who can be reassured they are getting a planning service they value.

"However, we will not be complacent and will continue to drive improvements with our planning service at every opportunity."

Chorley Council was designated in respect of applications for planning permission for major development by the Secretary of State in December 2023.

Gayle Wootton, Director of Property and Planning at Chorley Council, said: "We have worked hard to develop an action plan which was presented to government last summer, and since March of this year, we have known that our performance was on the right side of their assessment metrics.

"We have had to wait until today to have the designation lifted by the Secretary of State, but are pleased that this now marks the end of our special measures period and our reputation as a good planning service is fully restored."

St Albans City and District Council was meanwhile designated by the Secretary of State in respect of applications for planning permission for non-major development with effect from 6 March 2024.

Non-major applications include developments of between one and nine homes, floorspace of less than 1,000 square metres, or developments where the site area is less than one hectare in size.

Adam Carey