Budget 2015 – Planning and Environmental Implications
Published on 20th Mar 2015
In George Osborne’s final budget before the general election in May, the following announcements have been made relating to planning and environmental law.
Compulsory Purchase Regime
As part of the budget, the government has published a technical consultation on improvements to the compulsory purchase regime. The review is aimed at making the system “clearer, faster and fairer” by improving the processes for planning and consent for both applicants and claimants in order to encourage brownfield development.
The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on 9 June 2015.
Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay
The government has also pledged its support for tidal lagoons and tidal range technologies as a method of generating affordable renewable energy. As part of this strategy, they have announced that they will enter into the first stage of negotiations on the £1bn tidal lagoon proposed at Swansea Bay.
The Swansea Bay project is currently being processed through the prescribed NSIP procedure with 10 June 2015 being the deadline for a decision from the Secretary of State.
Delegation of London Planning Powers
The government is also proposing the devolution of greater powers to the Major of London to accelerate the provision of new homes. It is hoped that the transfer will assist in speeding up the planning process in the capital.
Car Parking Rentals
The government is also set to update its planning guidance to local authorities to confirm the possibility of non-residential properties renting out their existing parking spaces without the need for planning permission.
Deep Geothermal Energy
Finally, in an effort to encourage the growth of deep geothermal energy, the government has announced it will consult on bringing planning notification arrangements for the sector in line with those for onshore oil and gas planning applications.
