Note – the status of Neighbourhood Plans in the District may be found via this link

https://www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/my-services/planning-and-building/neighbourhood-planning/

The Interim Planning Manager (Development Management) explained to Members that there had been significant changes introduced by the Government. He detailed the following amendments and explained he would share the relevant links with Members. The links were also included to be included in the minutes:

The Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development and Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020

Already in force:

-          an additional allowance for the temporary use of land from 1st July 2020 to 31st December 2020, by a further 28 days (14 days for markets; motor racing)

-          a new permitted development right to allow a local authority to hold a market for an unlimited number of days without the requirement to submit an application for planning permission beginning with 25th June 2020 and ending with 23rd March 2021. 

Coming into force on 1st August:

-          a permanent permitted development right (part 20) to allow up to two additional storeys to be constructed on top of existing purpose-built blocks of flats (3+storeys) to create new homes. Subject to prior approval.

-          Adequate “Natural light” to now be a consideration for Prior Approval changes to dwellings (i.e. Retail / Offices / light industry / agricultural buildings etc. to residential)

Written Ministerial Statement from Secretary of State (14^th July)

Preventing loss of theatres, concert halls and live music performance venues –

“The purpose of this Written Ministerial Statement, is to set out how local planning authorities should approach decision-making to prevent the unnecessary loss of these venues. With immediate effect, local planning authorities should have due regard to their current circumstances when considering whether to grant planning permission for a change of use or demolition of a theatre, concert hall or live music performance venue that has been made temporarily vacant by Covid-19 business disruption.”

Caravan, campsites and Holiday parks

“Given the current situation, while local planning authorities must have regard to their legal obligations, they should not seek to undertake planning enforcement action which would unnecessarily restrict the ability of caravan, campsites and holiday parks to extend their open season.”

Business and Planning Bill 2020

Automatically extend planning permissions / Outline planning permissions and Listed Building Consents – that have, or will expire between 23rd March and 31st Dec 2020. Those that have expired before the Business and Planning Act 2020 comes into force, will be subject to an “Additional Environmental Approval” (deemed approved if undetermined after 28 days)

Formal process to amend Construction working hours – 14 day formal application process, to extend working hours until 1st April 2020 (deemed approved after 14 days).

Streamlined “Pavement Licenses” - allows the licence-holder to place removable furniture over certain highways adjacent to the premises. Remain in place for a year but not beyond 30 September 2021. If the local authority does not determine the application within the 10 working day period, the application will be deemed to have been granted. Once a licence is granted, or deemed to be granted, the applicant will also benefit from deemed planning permission to use the land for anything done pursuant to the licence while the licence is valid.

New Legislation (expected September):

-          Homeowners extend upwards -  will be able to add up to two additional storeys to their home to create new homes or more living space through a fast-track approval process. (1 storey on a bungalow) – Subject to Prior Approval.

-          Commercial / mixed use / dwellings extend upwards- Shops / financial services / restaurants and offices – extend two storeys up to form new dwellinghouses – subject to prior approval

-          Demolition of office / industrial buildings and construction of new dwellinghouses/flats in their place – subject to prior approval

-          Refresh of Use Classes Order – introduction of new Class E “Commercial, Business and Service” (to include shops, restaurants, offices, gyms nurseries and health centres). new ‘Learning and non-residential institutions’ (F1) and ‘Local community’ (F2) use classes. Pubs and Hot Food takeaways removed – will always need PP.