Overview

This bill aims to give local planning authorities in England more control over the demolition or change of use of buildings and land that provide local services. It does this by requiring planning permission in these cases, preventing unplanned loss of vital community assets.

Description

The Protection of Local Services (Planning) Bill amends existing planning laws to allow local authorities greater say in the future of local services. Key aspects include:

General Permitted Development

The bill empowers the Secretary of State to modify the General Permitted Development Order 1995. This allows local authorities to remove from permitted development rights (allowing certain works without full planning permission) premises used or previously used for local services. This could include all such premises, specific types (e.g., only pubs), or those listed by the local authority.

Demolition

The bill directs the Secretary of State to issue guidance allowing local authorities to require planning permission before the demolition of land or buildings previously used for local services. Again, this can apply to all such premises, specific types or those specified on a local authority list.

Procedure and Consultation

The bill mandates the Secretary of State to create regulations outlining the procedures local authorities must follow. This includes mandatory consultation with parish councils and relevant stakeholders before making decisions on planning applications affected by this bill.

Government Spending

The bill stipulates that any costs incurred by the Secretary of State in implementing the Act, as well as any increases in spending under other legislation caused by this Act, will be funded from public funds. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Local Planning Authorities: Granted increased powers to control development affecting local services.
• Businesses providing local services: May face stricter regulations and increased planning application requirements.
• Developers: May face more stringent planning restrictions impacting project feasibility for sites previously used for local services.
• Community groups and residents: Potentially benefit from increased protection of local amenities and services.
• Parish councils: Given a formal role in the consultation process.

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