News and Events

Planning Proposals in the South West

Wind turbines in North Dorset, a Somerset eco-village built near the resting place of TS Eliot, a £50m care village in Weymouth and scores more homes springing up in West Dorset.

What do these schemes have in common? They are all planning proposals, which are proving controversial with some communities across the West Country. They are also examples of the types of developments likely to get planning permission, if the government's National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Localism Bill get the green light.

What would this new legislation mean for people living in the South West? The NPPF strongly encourages sustainable developments. And the Localism Bill aims to give towns and villages a significant role in shaping development in their community. So for people struggling to get on the property ladder, it could mean it gets easier to find and buy a home. For communities, it could mean more sites are developed close to small villages. For developers and construction firms supporting the regional economy, it means fresh opportunities to keep local people in jobs.

There is no doubt that if the NPPF gets the green light, we could see a rise in controversial planning applications. The Localism Bill may see local communities and developers needing to work together; or it may prove to be a "nimby's charter" with neighbourhoods promoting plans which prevent development. As more sites are opened up for development, we may also see more green and environmental protests taking place.

So how can Battens help? Battens, represents developers and private clients across the South West. Its planning specialists are all members of the Law Society's Planning Panel, and are Legal Associates of the Royal Town Planning Institute. They are recognised and respected advocates at planning and local plan inquiries. Between them, they have over 50 years' planning experience in both the public and private sectors.

So if you have any queries about any planning application or other planning matter, call Phil Crowther in confidence at Battens Solicitors on 01935 846065 or e-mail p.crowther@battens.co.uk

Created: 19 October 2011