Overview

This bill establishes a five-year pilot program in England and Wales to allow residents more direct involvement in local planning decisions. It introduces "charrettes"—collaborative planning sessions—and "form-based design codes"—predetermined design rules—to guide development, with funding available for resident-led initiatives.

Description

Pilot Schemes

The Secretary of State will create pilot schemes enabling residents (through neighbourhood forums or community organisations) in designated areas to participate directly in local planning policy development. This includes developing form-based design codes and using charrettes.

Charrettes

The bill defines charrettes as collaborative meetings involving stakeholders (residents, developers, architects, etc.) to develop a master plan for a development. In certain circumstances (e.g., developments needing Environmental Impact Assessments or estate regeneration), local planning authorities must require a charrette. The process must be fair, transparent, and prevent undue influence by any participant.

Form-Based Design Codes

Form-based design codes will provide rules and guidelines for planning permission. They must be developed through a charrette and approved by a resident referendum. The bill specifies the process for creating and implementing these codes.

Supporting Neighbourhood Forums

Local planning authorities are mandated to support neighbourhood forums and community groups. Failure to provide sufficient support may result in a 5% reduction in allocated local planning funds, which will then be distributed as rolling grants to support these groups.

Government Spending

The bill allocates £2 million to fund resident-led pilot schemes. Individual grants may be up to £100,000, distributed through a rolling application window. Additionally, funding for local planning may be affected by requirements for support of neighbourhood forums.

Groups Affected

• Residents: Potentially increased influence on local planning decisions, access to funding for initiatives.
• Local Planning Authorities: New responsibilities in facilitating charrettes and supporting neighbourhood forums, potential financial impact.
• Developers: May face new design requirements through form-based codes and charrette processes.
• Neighbourhood Forums and Community Groups: Increased opportunity for participation and potential access to funding.

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