DCLG launches planning blitz: CIL, s. 106 agreements and "call-in" process affected

The Department for Communities and Local Government’s barrage of planning initiatives and guidance continued this week, with measures covering the Community Infrastructure Levy, s. 106 obligations and the call-in process.

Planning minister John Healey yesterday:

• Published guidance for councils on how to set up the Community Infrastructure Levy, the regulations for which come into force on 6 April
• Issued a consultation paper on policy on the use of s. 106
• Confirmed the government would implement the findings of a review on improvements to the “call-in” process, which would include new guidance for statutory agencies such as English Heritage, the Environment Agency and Sport England, and
• Announced a £4.5m grant for Planning Aid, the independent advice service for local people and community organisations.

The review on the “call-in” process recommended that fewer cases should be called-in. The government estimates that this would save up to £2m a year for applicants, while 300 cases a year that are considered for call-in return could be returned to local authorities quicker.

The DCLG said it would publish a new guide for members of the public, explaining how the call-in process works.

The minister added that he was looking for councils to follow the examples of authorities highlighted by the Planning Advisory Service as using planning obligations in an effective way to support local skills, training and apprenticeship schemes.

These include the London Borough of Greenwich, which has secured £25m towards its Greenwich Local Labour and Business initiative, and Barking and Dagenham Council, which has funding through s. 106 agreements in addition to money and support available through Jobcentre Plus, the ConstructionSkills levy scheme and national apprenticeships funding.

Healey said: “The power of government investment is helping build the homes this country needs, and keep workers on sites across the country. But we also need to cut red tape and get the developments underway without unnecessary delay.

“That’s why I want councils to make full use of the new Community Infrastructure Levy, so the necessary changes to local roads, schools and hospitals can be made to support these new developments.”