Local plans needed for economic growth warns NECC

The NECC have warned that the region may face investment uncertainty after councils missed the deadline to submit local plans.

None of the regional local authorities met the 12-month deadline set by the Government a year ago today when it launched the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to simplify the planning system and boost development.

The North East Chamber of Commerce now warns that lack of robust plans may create uncertainty for potential investors.

However, the lack of local plans may also open the door for development in the North East as it is hoped that it will lead to an influx of planning submissions.

NECC Planning Policy Advisor, Amy Michie, said: “Local plans represent an opportunity for local authorities to shape the face of the North East and stimulate investment.

“It is disappointing that one year on no council in the region is yet able to provide a clear steer on sustainable development when they could be putting a big “open for business” sign over the region.

“There has been progress recently to simplify the planning system and prevent it being a barrier to growth. NPPF introduces a presumption in favour of development, which means that all applications according with its policies must be approved.

“Now the 12 month deadline has been reached and there are no local plans, planning authorities must assess applications against NPPF.

“While this is not necessarily bad news for developers, a lack of plans causes uncertainty for investors who feel comfortable knowing potential projects fit into local economic growth plans.

“The flip side of this is that developers are readying numerous planning applications that will probably gain approval under the new guidelines, despite them not fitting into draft local plans currently being devised.”

The potential for further development in the North East is far greater than in most areas of the country with huge capacity for population growth and business development as well as a large demand for housing and commercial properties.

The NPPF replaced more than 1,000 pages of national planning policy notes with a single document, in an attempt to simplify the planning system.

Amy said: “The success of the NPPF relies on local authorities adopting high quality local plans that send a clear signal to the market that development will be welcomed and the specific areas where this should be focused.

“We are concerned that there is a lack of co-ordination among councils in producing local plans. Local Authorities must talk to each other to ensure a uniform approach and not negatively impact on neighbouring authorities.

“NECC is urging councils to ensure business has a strong influence in the preparation of pro-growth plans that must be adopted as quickly as possible to attract developers and bring vital investment to the region.

“In the meantime, we hope that developers taking advantage of the lack of local plans do so responsibly and provide a boost to development in the region.”

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