Attwood not to adopt Planning Policy Statement 24 following consultation
Published on Tue, 6 Sep 2011
by comms@doeni.gov.uk.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced that he will not introduce proposed new planning policy after listening to the public, business groups and the commercial sector.
Draft Planning Policy Statement 24 (PPS 24) had proposed that full account should be taken of the economic implications of a planning application. However the Minister highlighted that full account of economic implications is already included in planning decisions, was not disputed by many respondents to the consultation and that PPS24 did not add much to this argument. Indeed the Minister has also recently clarified that any land previously used for business purposes, even if it is unzoned land, must continue to be used for business.
Alex Attwood said: “I am determined that planning applications of all sizes with economic benefit, and crucially major benefit, are given every opportunity and a fair wind. Good planning, quick decisions, balanced by a favourable planning environment are key to economic growth and new jobs. I am determined that DOE planning will work better to achieve this. I will roll out a series of interventions in the coming period to help achieve this goal.
The majority of those who responded to the public consultation opposed the policy set out in draft PPS24. Many of those who were in favour considered that the content of the draft did not materially move the issue forward and that the content was imprecise and lacked definition. Many rightly argued that economic considerations are already a factor in planning decisions and are already dealt with in a balanced way alongside other material considerations, including social and environmental factors.
“Others who responded to the consultation feared that implementation of draft PPS24 could compromise sustainable development or conservation objectives, undermine existing planning policies, or prioritise short term financial gain over longer term sustainable growth. Some people who supported the policy questioned the need for it.
“As no weight has ever been given to draft PPS24 in the determination of planning applications, my decision will have no impact on planning decisions already made, nor on consideration of those applications currently in the planning system. But as I have made clear, I aim to create a planning environment which is positive to business and reform planning to make it more fit for business."
Notes to editors:
- Draft PPS 24 titled ‘Economic Considerations’ was issued for consultation on 17 January 2011 by the then Environment Minister, Edwin Poots MLA.
- Consultation ran from 17 January 2011 to 6 May 2011. Of 133 consultation respondents, 103 (three-quarters) opposed draft PPS24.
- Draft Planning Policy Statement 24 (PPS 24) provides that full account shall be taken of the economic implications of a planning proposal, including the wider implications to the regional and local economy, alongside social and environmental aspects in so far as they are material considerations in the determination of the planning application to which they relate.
- For media queries please contact DOE Communications 028 9054 0003 or out of office hours contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
