News

Turley helps promote digital and virtual consultation in the wake of COVID-19

Back in June, working with Zack Simons of Landmark Chambers, 21 leading home builders and land promoters, and the Land Promoters and Developers Federation, we wrote to Government seeking a relaxation in planning legislation. Our intent was to promote digital and virtual planning consultation in response to ongoing social distancing measures. Yesterday (16 July 2020) it was announced that legislation had been laid in Parliament for Local Plan consultations to take place without the need for a hard copy being made available in the council offices.

Read our original article from 1 June here.

Since then we have met (virtually) with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to explore this further. Local Plans are a cornerstone of the planning system, they provide a substantial contribution to the overall supply of new homes across the country. 

Since its onset MHCLG has been quick to respond to any impediment COVID-19 poses to the planning system. So far we have seen virtual planning committees and inquiries become more and more common, and this week we have had our first virtual Local Plan examination in South Oxfordshire, all of which Turley have been actively involved in.

Tom Armfield, Director, said: 
“This is a positive response to our letter and ongoing engagement on behalf of clients, which we are thankful to MHCLG for. This move unlocks the final piece of the jigsaw to ensure the planning system is able to play its part in responding to the economic recovery.  

“There are already signs of the new legislation being viewed positively by local planning authorities, Shropshire Council is reporting to its Full Council this week that it intends to publish its draft plan for Regulation 19 consultation between 3 August and 30 September.

“We are confident other local authorities will follow suit in order to support the recovery through the delivery of much needed market and affordable housing.”

Please contact Tom Armfield for further information. 

17 July 2020