The Government is announcing changes to the planning system that will see the right for local communities to decide and vote for developments in their area, including extensions. But for now, no such system: if you want help in appealing against a refusal or objecting to development, our books can help.

We all remember the fame of Jackie Weaver with the Handforth Parish Council online planning meeting during lockdown. Online meetings became normal and have increased participation, but will they continue? Some Councils are removing them, others keen to carry on: but as this article shows, it comes at a cost to provide the technology.

A recent survey by the Home Builders Federation has shown the number of builders reporting problems with the supply and cost of materials had jumped from 20 per cent a year ago to 78 per cent. Nine out of ten builders also say a lack of resources in planning departments are causing delays.

If you undertake development without planning permission then you have the ability to apply to retain that use/work: commonly called retrospective planning permission. But the Government is hinting at measures to restrict such applications to be 'used only by those who have genuinely made a mistake', a housing department minister has told MPs as part of forthcoming measures to tighten up enforcement rules.

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.