Breadcrumbs
Good Enough to Approve? - 24 October 2003
Concept statements are a new tool to help planners ensure more care is taken in the way development is sited, designed and fitted into the surrounding context. The tool has been developed with the help of some pioneering local authorities. For many years those involved in the planning process have been frustrated by the difficulty in securing high quality, sustainable development on the right sites within the formal planning system. This guidance will also assist planners everywhere deliver the new ideas proposed by government in the Planning Bill.
Richard Wakeford, Countryside Agency chief executive said: “A healthy and diverse countryside often needs new development but for new planning applications to succeed they must be good enough to approve. We have all seen our fair share of unsuitable developments – those that are insensitive to the character of an area, or fail to cater for the needs of the local community.
He continued: “Unsurprisingly, so much inappropriate development has led to a lack of confidence in the planning process. Communities need to be reassured, and planners want to save time in negotiation and appeals. Our concept statements provide a simple planning tool and an effective way of tackling both problems. The outcome should be communities that future generations can look back on with pride.”
Case study: Concept statements have been pioneered by South Hams District Council where they were prepared for every development site proposed in the draft local plan – the council faced major housing growth targets and the aim was that this should have as little impact as possible on the character of the local countryside.
“Concept statements are the best planning tool that I’ve come across. They demonstrate the holistic nature of planning and encourage meaningful participation between the community, the developer and the local planning authority.” Lee Bray, South Hams District Council.
The Countryside Agency is using concept statements as a catalyst to encourage future projects and to disseminate examples of good practice via their web site www.countryside.gov.uk
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Notes to editors
For further information please contact Mel Capper in the Countryside Agency press office on 020 7340 2909
The Countryside Agency is the statutory body working to make the quality of life better for people in the countryside and the quality of the countryside better for everyone.
The Countryside Agency’s Concept Statements and Local Development Documents – practical guidance for local planning authorities will be launched in London on 24 October at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) conference exploring the theme of ‘Implementing the new Planning Bill: getting the right development on the right site.’
Copies can be obtained online at www.countryside.gov.ukor from Countryside Agency publications PO Box 125, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7EP, Tel 0870 120 6466.
