Bring planning back to the future

摘要

Development planning is in dire straits. That at least is the view I am getting from the 'shires' of what might loosely be described as 'Wessex'. Local Plans are in a seemingly continuous loop of preparation, consultation, examination and review, which generates thousands of pages of complex, incomprehensible and confusing verbiage, bewildering the professionals almost as much as the few independent third parties who manage to stay the course. There is wholly inadequate co-ordination and collaboration with the plans of neighbouring authorities and bodies, especially with regard to major housing allocations, road and rail transport, and economic development. There are serious shortfalls in the provision of affordable housing and infrastructure, thanks to uncertain and inadequate support from section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy in the face of draconian 'viability' tests.