3
Jun
Planning process to be opened to homeowners
Homeowners could soon be able to play a greater part in the
planning process, following an announcement that the Planning Aid
scheme is set to be extended.
Communities secretary Hazel Blears said that if the proposal passes
successfully through Parliament, the public will have "a fairer
say" in planning issues.
Planning Aid works in collaboration with community groups, as well
as individuals, to help ensure stronger communication about the
process.
"We need also to do more to support local communities and
individuals, particularly those least able to put forward their
case, with the advice and skills they need to engage effectively,"
said Ms Blears.
She added that funding for Planning Aid will increase to £4.1
million in 2009-10 and £4.5 million in 2010-11 to help towards
this end.
Last month, the Department of Communities and Local Government
announced that the Planning Inspectorate had increased the
proportion of key performance targets it met by 25 per cent in
2007-08.
