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County councils should take on bigger planning role, report claims
County councils could help accelerate delivery of affordable homes with a more prominent role in the planning system, the County Councils Network (CCN) has claimed.
In a report published today titled A New Deal for Counties, the CCN argues that “strategic planning” arrangements between district and county authorities would streamline the process, allowing housing plans to be drawn up for larger areas.
It takes aim at the current “fragmented” system in which district councils oversee housing and county councils handle infrastructure.
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Major developments would be more popular with local residents and politicians if infrastructure to support projects was given greater funding, the report adds.
And it claims “the lack of funding for the necessary infrastructure needed to support new housing growth” is leading to supply shortages.
The report also calls for government to review the Community Infrastructure Levy, arguing that “we are not making the most of developer contributions”, with some district authorities not applying the levy.
Communities secretary Sajid Javid is expect to announce new proposals on planning this week.
Philip Atkins, vice-chair of the CCN and leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: “Strategic planning will allay the considerable fears felt in communities over housebuilding, targeting developments in the most appropriate areas, with joined-up plans and financing for these homes allowing the necessary infrastructure to be created so communities do not feel the extra burden on public services.
“The government must also recognise that long-term underfunding of county areas has led to increased pressures on public services in our communities, creating further consternation when a major development is proposed.”
