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09.11.2009
Senior planning experts have expressed concern over councils’ ability to engage with the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) following confirmation that no extra funding is available.
It follows planning minister John Healey’s response to questions in parliament, when he said: "The provisions of the Planning Act 2008 do not place any additional requirements on local government but instead give councils a much clearer statutory role. The government does not intend to provide additional funding."
In response, IPC chief executive Sir Michael Pitt warned: "Rural authorities may struggle considerably. It is going to put a large strain on smaller councils."
Gerald Eve planning and development partner Graham Oliver agreed: "The new regime has been hailed by the Government as a way of expediting the process and saving costs. Inevitably without adequate funding it will be the applicant and the local authority who will be left with the bill."
Councils will not receive fee income under the new regime, whereas the IPC will charge £36,000 per application. The government has advised authorities to recoup costs using planning performance agreements (PPAs).
Gerald Eve, chartered surveyors and property consultants, make or save money from property - acting for around 40% of the FTSE100 on property asset management, agency and professional matters.
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