Member Article

Red Tape To Be Cut For Larger Property Developments

Two North East authorities are taking part in a pilot project to improve and speed up the planning process for large developments. Launched by the Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper, the Planning Delivery Agreement pilots will provide a project management framework for local authorities with developers, local planning authorities and other stakeholders working together to an agreed project plan. Gateshead Council is participating in the pilot in relation to either the Bladon Quarry or a town centre development, while Durham County Council’s participation will relate to proposals for an industrial and regional freight terminal.

Yvette Cooper said: “There has already been great improvements in handling planning applications but too often very large applications take a long time to sort out, creating uncertainty for both developers and the local community. “The planning system needs to do more to support sustainable development. By improving the process for handling these applications Planning Delivery Agreements will help to make the planning system more efficient so that community groups and developers alike know what the timetable is and where they stand.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .