West Mids councils "unprepared" for policy changes, says GVA
Just a quarter of local authorities in the West Midlands are prepared for the changes proposed in the National Planning Policy Framework, Insider has learnt.
Research from property consultant GVA said that only eight of the region's authorities have adopted a core strategy in preparation for the changes, which are expected to be brought in before the end of the year.
GVA’s Birmingham-based planning, development and regeneration team said the majority of those that are continuing to work on their plans are "some considerable way" from having an agreed strategy in place.
The main change to regulations will compel authorities to grant planning permission for developments that accord with the government’s policies, if either they do not have an up-to-date plan for their area, or they have a plan which is indeterminate on the key issues.
Craig Alsbury, director in GVA’s planning, development and regeneration team, said: “The government is keen to see the National Planning Policy Framework adopted before the year is out. If it is, there will be a significant number of Authorities in the West Midlands and elsewhere that will be caught by the new presumption and face the risk of receiving a swathe of planning applications that ought to be approved without delay."
The only local authorities in the West Midlands which have adopted Core Strategies are Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme, Rugby, the four Black Country Authorities and Telford & Wrekin Council. The remaining 22 - including Birmingham City Council - are still preparing plans for their areas.
