30/10/2008
Under-Represented Groups To Have Greater Planning Say
Up to £5 million will be committed to promoting new ways to encourage community participation in planning Communities Secretary Hazel Blears confirmed today.
The new grants are part of a major Government drive to put communities in control, strengthen active citizenship and give people more say over local services.
Planning is already one of the most democratic processes with the majority of decisions taken by elected local councillors. But often decisions become contentious because of a perceived lack of public involvement in decisions that leave under-represented groups frustrated and disenchanted.
The planning empowerment grants announced today will help tackle any sense of injustice by encouraging councils to secure greater legitimacy for decisions by placing some power in the hands of local communities generating a vibrant, engaged and healthier local democracy.
Eligible councils could receive up to £70,00 additional funding from the Housing and Planning Delivery Grant to strengthen the legitimacy of their consultation and local decision-making process.
Also, funding from the new £7.5m Empowerment Fund will go to third-sector groups who promote community engagement in the planning system.
Hazel Blears said: "Sometimes people feel that planning decisions are made behind closed doors, or that traditional ways of getting involved, like public meetings, are not for them.
"These new planning empowerment grants will help involve under-represented groups from the community in planning through things like citizen's injuries and planning for real type processes."
Ms Blears concluded: "What better way to find the right solution than asking local people who know their communities best - I want to see the system delivering people planning not process planning."
(JM)
The new grants are part of a major Government drive to put communities in control, strengthen active citizenship and give people more say over local services.
Planning is already one of the most democratic processes with the majority of decisions taken by elected local councillors. But often decisions become contentious because of a perceived lack of public involvement in decisions that leave under-represented groups frustrated and disenchanted.
The planning empowerment grants announced today will help tackle any sense of injustice by encouraging councils to secure greater legitimacy for decisions by placing some power in the hands of local communities generating a vibrant, engaged and healthier local democracy.
Eligible councils could receive up to £70,00 additional funding from the Housing and Planning Delivery Grant to strengthen the legitimacy of their consultation and local decision-making process.
Also, funding from the new £7.5m Empowerment Fund will go to third-sector groups who promote community engagement in the planning system.
Hazel Blears said: "Sometimes people feel that planning decisions are made behind closed doors, or that traditional ways of getting involved, like public meetings, are not for them.
"These new planning empowerment grants will help involve under-represented groups from the community in planning through things like citizen's injuries and planning for real type processes."
Ms Blears concluded: "What better way to find the right solution than asking local people who know their communities best - I want to see the system delivering people planning not process planning."
(JM)
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05 July 2010
Planning 'Red Tape' To Be Cut
It's not just the economy that is being cut-back as there's to be less fuss and 'red tape' around planning applications across the UK. Proposals for simplifying the planning and consents environment, encouraging development and growth and cutting the amount of bureaucracy faced by business and government, has been published by the Penfold Review.
Planning 'Red Tape' To Be Cut
It's not just the economy that is being cut-back as there's to be less fuss and 'red tape' around planning applications across the UK. Proposals for simplifying the planning and consents environment, encouraging development and growth and cutting the amount of bureaucracy faced by business and government, has been published by the Penfold Review.
22 August 2013
400,000 Homes With Planning Permission Still Waiting To Be Built
New research published today reveals there are still nearly 400,000 homes in England which have been given planning permission but haven't yet been built. The study, commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA) and carried out by Glenigan, shows that there has been little progress made in reducing the bumper backlog over the past year.
400,000 Homes With Planning Permission Still Waiting To Be Built
New research published today reveals there are still nearly 400,000 homes in England which have been given planning permission but haven't yet been built. The study, commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA) and carried out by Glenigan, shows that there has been little progress made in reducing the bumper backlog over the past year.
09 November 2009
Miliband Backs Nuclear Expansion
The UK will 'fast track' a new set of nuclear reactors, the Climate Secretary said today. Making the announcement, Ed Miliband insisted the country could not afford to "say no" to nuclear power. Mr Miliband outlined almost a dozen sites identified as suitable for new energy schemes, across northern and southern England, and north Wales.
Miliband Backs Nuclear Expansion
The UK will 'fast track' a new set of nuclear reactors, the Climate Secretary said today. Making the announcement, Ed Miliband insisted the country could not afford to "say no" to nuclear power. Mr Miliband outlined almost a dozen sites identified as suitable for new energy schemes, across northern and southern England, and north Wales.
28 May 2009
Design And Planning Company Fails To Deliver
A company which provided a design service for building conversions - and latterly a design service specifically for planning development applications which had previously been refused - has been wound up in the High Court. This followed an investigation by the Companies Investigation Branch of The Insolvency Service.
Design And Planning Company Fails To Deliver
A company which provided a design service for building conversions - and latterly a design service specifically for planning development applications which had previously been refused - has been wound up in the High Court. This followed an investigation by the Companies Investigation Branch of The Insolvency Service.
25 November 2008
Government Welcomes The Killian Pretty Report
The Government yesterday welcomed proposals to help small businesses and councils save up to £300m a year through a root and branch overhaul of the bureaucratic planning application process recommended by the Killian Pretty review.
Government Welcomes The Killian Pretty Report
The Government yesterday welcomed proposals to help small businesses and councils save up to £300m a year through a root and branch overhaul of the bureaucratic planning application process recommended by the Killian Pretty review.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
