Cheshire East Council has created a new service which will enable developers to pay for major schemes to be fast tracked through the planning system.
The new initiative, which is in its infancy, was put before Cabinet members on Tuesday, 10th November, to seek support for the development and expansion of the new Priority Planning Applications (PPA) service.
This premium 'fast-track' service will be for significant, major planning applications – from initial inquiry to submission for planning decision – and is designed to cut through unnecessary delays.
The aim of this paid-for service will be to ensure major investment and job creation in Cheshire East does not suffer unnecessary delays and to generate a revenue stream for the Council which will enable additional resources to be brought in to deal with the large number of major applications submitted to Cheshire East.
This new process does not necessarily mean that these applications will be permitted, as they will continue to be determined on their individual merits, in accordance with Council policy, by elected members of independent planning committees.
Cheshire East Council Leader Councillor Michael Jones said: "This Council is once again showing its real commitment to acting innovatively to improve service delivery for the people of Cheshire East and develop our local economy.
"This new initiative will develop a new revenue stream for the Council but more importantly this is about improving the delivery of key planning decisions in what is one of the busiest planning authorities in the country.
"A PPA will allow resources to be provided and targeted to deal with the most economically-significant applications received by this authority – that would bring significant jobs, housing and infrastructure investment to the Borough.
"It will also give greater confidence to inward investors and businesses that Cheshire East can handle major planning applications in a proactive and efficient way."
The criteria for eligible applications for PPA service support would be projects which create more than 200 jobs; build more than 500 houses; are Council disposal applications for major sites or which unlock significant sites and a small number of other schemes (ie rural) that release grant aid.
Caroline Simpson, the Council's executive director of economic growth and prosperity, said in her report to Cabinet: "This proposal is part of an overall package of resource and operational improvements to the development management service, which seek to ensure that all applications are dealt with in a timely manner.
"This Council is committed to supporting economic growth and nurturing prosperous communities. The planning process plays a major role in supporting appropriate development and it is essential that the Council has a dynamic and proactive approach to planning which serves local residents and businesses."
Developers will be charged an additional fee over and above the normal planning fee. It is expected that the costs of providing the PPA service, consisting of three experienced planning officers, would be covered by the revenue generated.
Cheshire East Council says the concept has been enthusiastically received by developers contemplating major proposals who are happy to pay a premium for a priority service. At the moment they are in discussions with Bruntwood and Manchester Science Partnerships regarding them using the Priority Planning Applications service in relation to developments at Alderley Park.
Photo: Cheshire East Council Leader Michael Jones.
Comments
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Decisions take far too long in planning cases. Even the most simple application takes 12 weeks. This move should be applauded
Well done Cheshire east.
Major developers with significant funds will be able to 'fast -track' the system while residents applying to build extensions will face the same barrage of beauracratic delays they face now.
So…big schemes communities do not want will be rushed through while Mrs Smith's granny-flat will be analysed, examined, dissected and rejected until dear old grandma has popped her clogs.
Brilliant, absolutely bloody brilliant.
Democracy in Action!
Have I just woken up in Russia or India or some third world country where corruption is rife?
Because for the life of me I can't see any difference.
Any planning authority must be seen to make decisions fairly and impartially.
This is impossible if the same organisation is also acting commercially to help developers, even if the arrangement is set up at arms length.
I wonder why?
You seem to always take issue with the economics.
Back to the subject, it is all well and good having a single planning regime for all but not very pleasant when large corporate bodies can buy their way into fast tracking decision making.
Caroline Simpson says, rather glibly, "....all applications are dealt with in a timely manner." I would ask her, why is there a problem with the tardiness of her planning process? As Vic Barlow rightly says, the couple who need to build an extension, could be a much needed granny flat which requires a fast track answer, they will be asked for money they may not have to speed their needed extension. No problem for companies, all costs are absorbed into the product's cost. As I said Ryan, money talks.
And this from a council that proclaims "We are a listening Council - PUTTING RESIDENTS FIRST". Cllr Michael Jones, Caroline Simpson & even Ryan may believe that piece of delusional propaganda but do the people?
It's simple. Backhanders go straight into the bureaucrats pocket.
Instead, this goes to the council, who then put it straight into the bureaucrats pocket.
Apparently, this is called transparency and is very different to a bung. Speak to Sepp Blater if you want more information on how this new tendering system will work.
As a vociferous member of the anti development mob....you were clearly going to twist a straightforward policy and imply some conspiracy theory is at play.
So no vested interest there then?
Just how gullible do they think we are?
By its very nature, the council is OUR vested interest, not the developers.
Local council is a democratic institution designed to represent the majority view of the electorate. I know PLC's and Ltd companies have their own legal identity, but I don't think it yet stretches to them having a vote.
So CE can’t be game keeper AND poacher. It just doesn’t work in their masters (ie the publics) best interests.
http://bit.ly/1SAUfSO
Apart from one lady, who is a Director of a very large building development company, most of the other directors appear to have no business experience at all. This company appears to be worth £1. I'm reasonably sure that it has cost CEC voters more than that so far.