NALC backs stronger planning protections for community assets and local decision-making
We have supported proposals to strengthen planning protections for community assets while calling on the government to preserve the role of parish and town councils in local planning decisions.
In our response to the government's consultation on proposed changes to permitted development rights, we welcomed measures that would require Assets of Community Value and other designated heritage assets to be subject to full planning scrutiny, rather than allowing demolition or redevelopment through permitted development rights.
We argued that proposals affecting valued community buildings and heritage assets should continue to be considered through the full planning application process, ensuring that local communities have the opportunity to comment and decision-makers can properly assess the impact of development.
Our response reiterates support for a planning system that is locally led, democratically accountable and delivers sustainable development by giving equal consideration to social, economic and environmental outcomes.
A key recommendation is that parish and town councils should be formally consulted on planning and conservation proposals. As the tier of local government closest to communities, parish and town councils have valuable local knowledge that can help shape better planning decisions and ensure development reflects local priorities.
We also welcomed proposals to provide greater flexibility for environmental and conservation measures through permitted development rights, provided appropriate safeguards, prior approval processes and proportionate conditions accompany these. We believe environmental improvements should be supported while maintaining effective local oversight and protecting communities, landscapes and heritage assets.
However, we expressed concern about any proposals that reduce the role of local planning authorities and parish and town councils in the planning process. We warned that limiting local involvement would weaken democratic accountability and reduce opportunities for communities to influence decisions that directly affect the places where they live.
Our response concludes that planning reform should simplify processes where appropriate, but not at the expense of local democracy. We call on the government to ensure that community assets remain properly protected and that parish and town councils continue to play a meaningful role in shaping development in their areas.
