New planning reforms to promote thriving town centres

Changes to the planning system to restrict the expansion of out-of-town retail floorspace have been announced by Planning Minister Yvette Cooper.

The measures are part of the Government's ongoing reform of the planning system to make the planning system more effective and provide more certainty for communities and developers.

The package will mean that:

Most types of planning application will now have to be accompanied by a design and access statement.  Increases in the internal retail floorspace of 200 square metres or more will be brought under planning control.

This should boost the ability of local planning authorities (LPAs) to promote the vitality and viability of town centres and prevent inappropriate development.

A change to the determination period for a major application means that LPAs will now have 13 weeks - an increase of 5 weeks - to determine a major application before an applicant can appeal on the basis of non-determination.

This will give more time to consider the views of the community and to ensure that better and more considered decisions are taken for major planning proposals.

Ms Cooper said: "These reforms are about strengthening the role of design in the planning system, making sure planners take proper account of peoples access needs and strengthening town centres.

"High quality design needs to be at the heart of the planning system. These changes mean that both developers and local planning authorities will have to give proper  consideration to design and access before they start. This will help improve the quality of new buildings and spaces.

"Some out of town retailers have been using mezzanines for substantial expansions, without knowing how this impacts on town centres. Up until now, local planning authorities could do nothing about it. These changes will help them support their town centres regeneration."