Thepublicinterest

Importance of planning notices

IF THE Government is sincere when it comes to localism and accountability, it will curtail its threat to limit the scrutiny of planning applications. Not only will any imposition of the proposals, part of moves to encourage new developments, directly contradict devolution policy – but they’re also antidemocratic.

And, given this, it is imperative that as many people as possible register their opposition to the move by the end of today when the current consultation runs out. The publication of planning notices in local newspapers, the most trusted media of all, are fundamental when it comes to alerting people, and businesses, about new applications. They’re the foundations of local democracy and accountability.

They also alert those who have not got the inclination

– or access to computers

– to monitor the websites of those town halls which do publish the necessary details in an accessible format ( not all do). For the London Government’s benefit, these newspapers now command record print and digital readerships.

And such advertisements underpin the placing of formal yellow notices on lamp posts close to affected areas – another statutory service that Ministers will discard if they get their way. This should not be about Whitehall. It should be for councils to decide how best to liaise with their communities.

After all, all applicants have to pay a fee when they submit plans – and part of this should still fund the cost of public consultations. If not, the resulting planning disputes risk diminishing the aesthetic appeal of neighbourhoods – and also the public finances.