Accountable Planning

How can the planning system encourage new developments with local accountability?

Author: Cllr Gary Porter, Emma Cariaga, David Rodgers, Tony Smith, Barry Maginn   |   21/05/2010

Planning has long provided a conundrum for politicians. Targets are set centrally, yet implementation must be passed at the local level. Although there is a nationwide realisation that houses are in shortage, communities are often reluctant for new large-scale building projects to occur in their locality. Often politicians feel that the area is best left ignored, as it is unlikely to be a vote winner, yet can cause a great deal of resentment. However, with housing shortages continuing to grow, and increasing debate on devolving local decision-making to communities, planning policy has been the subject of growing consideration. In this edition of Policy Platform we consider what a more localised planning system should look like, and how community engagement can benefit future development.

We have articles written from four different perspectives, including Cllr Gary Porter, Leader of South Holland District Council and also chair of the LGA’s Environment Board; Emma Cariaga from Land Securities; David Rodgers, Executive Director of CDS Cooperative – a cooperative housing association; and Tony Smith, from Birmingham City Council.