Shropshire councillor brands new set of planning rules 'atrocious'

A Shropshire councillor has labelled the new set of planning rules that the Government have brought in “atrocious”.

From October 31, each council in England must implement the national scheme of delegation.

The rules introduce a common framework for deciding whether planning applications are determined by planning officers or referred to a planning committee.

One of the changes is that a local objection or “call-in request” by a councillor will no longer create an automatic route to a planning committee.

Get the Shropshire Star daily newsletter

The Government – which pledged to build 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament when it was elected in 2024 – said the aim is to ensure that there is “greater clarity and consistency about the role of planning committees in planning decision making”.

It also said it wants committees to focus on key proposals and allow minor and technical decisions to be made by planning officers.

Speaking at a Shropshire Council southern planning committee meeting, Councillor Nigel Lumby (Conservative, Albrighton), said: “This has come about because a national government has failed in its bid to create 1.5 million new homes, and a way to do that is to spike local democracy in relation to decision making.

“We’re not that far away from that, I accept that. But things that frighten me are when the designated member says this ought to go out for consultation by the committee.

“It’s effectively the officer’s decision if they can’t agree. And I think it’s atrocious. I don’t see how the south and north planning committees can survive after this.

“We’re struggling to have enough [meetings] now. I’d like to keep south because local democracy is important, and when you’ve got south councillors dealing with south matters, I think that’s better.”

Fellow Conservative member Nick Hignett (Rea Valley) added: “I think we’re going to lose a step of democracy and I really think this is a backward step for us. I think one of the biggest losers will be the general public.”

Councillor Caroline Bagnall (Labour, Broseley) said: “I think there’s a lot of value to be attached to local comments and local councillors being able to have their voices heard.

“However, my understanding is that we will still be able to have our voices heard, it’s simply that our voices will be in the form of objections or letters of support, so it’s not a case that we will be completely ignored.

“We pay our officers for a reason and we ought to trust their expertise.”

Area planning manager Emma Green said: “We are a little concerned about what this does do for this relationship,.

“It’s an important role. We will still be working within our professional conduct and will be offering that advice to that chair when we’re going through that process.”