Retail Property - Planning law changes set to cut red tape

Changes to the planning system unveiled this month are aimed at cutting down the number of costly and time-consuming planning inquiries.

Since September 5, developers have had just three months to lodge an appeal compared with six months previously.

However, local planning authorities must now give reasoned judgements, explaining how a particular decision for or against a proposal complies with the relevant development plan policies.

But according to Chris Williams, planning specialist at solicitors Cameron McKenna, this could actually increase delays. 'The changes to the requirements for local planning authorities to give reasons for approval are potentially significant and may possibly open up new grounds for procedural challenge,' he said.