Better plan for change

It was a low-density development, in keeping with other properties near the land, and with agreement from those whose gardens backed onto the plot.

The builder submitted a planning application. The council didn’t like it. It wanted double the number of houses, less parking, more open space and every single tree protected. That meant building an apartment block, which seemed a bit odd in a country setting.

In the meantime, the council introduced a requirement for 40% affordable homes on developments of 15 houses or more. Now the deal didn’t stack up. The housebuilder had to go back to the landowner to renegotiate the price. And back to the architect to replan the scheme. They hadn’t even bought the site yet!

Planning is a complicated business. And one of the biggest bugbears of those attempting to use the system is that the goalposts are always changing (see ‘What would you do?’ page 15). This story (which is true) could go on and on as the council introduces a requirement for renewable energy, adopts the Code for Sustainable Homes, demands zero carbon developments...

Last month the government published its planning White Paper which put forward some suggestions which could speed up the planning process (see news, page 8), although what they will look like post-consultation remains to be seen.

If developers are hoping for static goal-posts they will be disappointed. The White Paper is called Planning for a Sustainable Future. And as we all know, the definition of what a sustainable future might be is always developing. So even after planners have got to grips with the changes to plan-making, applications and policy, expect the government and councils’ requirements to keep changing.

There will be plenty more stories like this one.