The Local Government Association (LGA) has called for a removal of permitted development rights, particularly "those which permit the creation of new homes".
Following a consultation on the latest government changes to planning regulations, which extended permitted development rights, the group has responded saying: "There is no place in the current or future planning system for permitted development (PD) rights."
We examine what these changes include, why the group are against permitted development rights and their suggestions for changes.
Councils can't 'oversee the delivery of the right homes'
The LGA claims the extension to permitted development rights will result in lower quality housing as local authorities cannot oversee their development.
Their statement says: "We and other national organisations have highlighted to Government through various pieces of research and projects of the negative impact and consequences of PD and call for them to be urgently revoked.
"Local government cannot oversee the planning and delivery of the right homes in the right places if PD rights continue to undermine and override their decision-making powers."
They claim new homes created through permitted development rights "represent a disconnected approach to development that damages and weakens councils’ and their communities’ strategic long-term decisions and place-making ambitions".
Increased conversions will affect 'vulnerable people disproportionately'
The consultations also targeted the changes to conversions through permitted development rights.
Conversions of commercial buildings will now be allowed without the need for planning permission but the LGA claim: "The Government’s own research has highlighted how conversions to residential through change of use PD can fail to meet adequate design standards, avoid contributing to local areas and create worse living environments."
They claim these conversions will affect "vulnerable people disproportionately and can exacerbate existing inequalities" as people will be placed in homes "with little or no access to green space".
These claims were also made by a Medact, a health charity, who said the extensions to permitted development rights may cause a decline in living standards.
Loss of planning fees will mean councils will lack resources
The LGA also claimed the latest government changes would result in a loss of planning fees that could raise further issues for local councils.
The decline of planning application fees, as well as Section 106 payments, could mean local planning departments do not have the necessary resources to fully clamp down on planning breaches, it is claimed.
According to the consultation, extensions to permitted development conditions will exacerbate this as local authorities don't have the resources to sufficiently check if developments require planning permission or not due to the increased burden on planning officers.
The LGA recommends an immediate review and adjustment of planning fees for prior approval notifications to accurately reflect the costs borne by local authorities.
