Following a downturn at the start of the pandemic, the number of planning applications submitted to Councils has shot up and continues to rise. Leeds Council are the latest to admit they are struggling in coping with the number of applications. The pressure on planning officers means it is now even more important than ever to make your views heard clearly and accurately, if you want to be involved in the planning process. Our books tell you how.

Local planning authorities must publish all relevant documents about a planning application in time for objectors to consider them, and before any application has been heard by a Planning Committee.  The High Court recently found that the failure to do this warranted the quashing of a planning permission. If you are making representations to a planning application you have a right to view the relevant documents and have time to respond; make sure you press for those documents.

The Queen's Speech will be announcing the Government's new Planning Bill. Whilst some of the media reports might be speculating too much on a free for all, undoubtedly there will be new measures that seek to simplify planning and increase house building in areas across the country. Public participation will remain in planning, but residents need to be well-informed in order to get their voice heard.

A recent court case in Cambridgeshire has clarified some aspects of public consultation on development. A Highways Authority had objected to a development scheme on the grounds of highway safety. A change to the scheme led to the Authority raising no objection, but due to economic benefit. That was found to be unlawful - the lesson is that consultees must stick to their remit.

Large planning applications can lead to a large number of objections. In this instance of drilling for oil on the Isle of Wight, over 3,000 objections received. Objectors need to be focused on objections and concentrate on town planning issues and law. The shear weight of numbers against a proposal is not enough in itself to mean a planning application will be refused.

We have a new video on YouTube - a quick guide to show you how to find out if your land or property is at risk from flooding. This is an important matter to consider if you're thinking of extending your property or building on a plot of land. You may need a flood risk assessment to show that you can build. Or the development you want to undertake might be ruled out by the risk of the flooding. Find out before you make what could be a costly mistake.

Permitted development rights were relaxed earlier in 2020 to allow extensions upwards to existing blocks of flats to provide additional flats. The Government has recently announced a change to the regulations that require fire safety for external wall construction to be an additional matter that must be submitted for prior approval.

A study by the Royal Town Planning Institute has found that more than half of the public agreed changes to local places, spaces and services will need to happen to adapt to life post pandemic – and that they want to be involved in these decisions. The need for more public spaces and green areas was particularly strongly noted.