Local people could receive greater influence over developments in their area, under radical reforms proposed for the planning system.
Plans put forward by the Department for Communities and Local Government include scrapping ‘red tape’ to make it easier for communities to have their say.
Proposals intend to better support conversion of empty and redundant buildings into new residences, while rules that govern change of use of high-street premises would also be relaxed.
The reforms are part of Government plans to give people a greater say in planning decisions that affect their neighbourhood. Ministers have already reduced 1,300 pages of separate policies into one 50-page document.
Over 1,000 communities currently produce neighbourhood plans or neighbourhood development orders. The latest proposals are designed to speed up the process to encourage others to follow suit.
Housing minister Brandon Lewis said: ‘Today’s proposals will help scrap even more red tape and make it even easier to get the homes and shops communities want built, while at the same time breathing new life into our vital industries.’
