Planning Review
The Killian Pretty Planning Independent Review looked at the planning application process. Its aim has been to identify improvements to the process, building on previous reforms.
The Killian Pretty Planning Independent Review of the Planning Application Process
An independent review of the Town and Country Planning system was launched on 25 March 2005. Led by Joanna Killian (Chief Executive of Essex County Council) and David Pretty (former Chief Executive of Barratts Developments plc), it was jointly commissioned by the Departments for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (now Business, Innovation & Skills - BIS) and Communities & Local Government.
The review looked at the planning application process, from the start of initial discussions with the local planning authority, to the discharge of pre-commencement conditions and the start of work on site. Its aim has been to identify improvements to the process, building on previous reforms.
The review's final report was launched on 24 November 2008. It sets out an ambitious, but deliverable package of 17 practical recommendations aimed at creating a more proportionate, customer focused and responsive planning application process.
The planning system is dominated by minor developments. The review recommends that nearly 40% of minor non-residential planning applications should be taken out of the planning system altogether, or be subject to a quicker process.
It also recommends improving the vital pre-application phase, particularly for major developments.
These and other recommendations will speed up the process and improve its effectiveness and transparency, and could deliver up to £300m of savings for councils, applicants and the wider economy each year.
The recommendations will free up and encourage councils and consultees to focus their resources on the larger developments that can make the biggest impact on communities.
The final report and a separate Executive Summary and Recommendations, are available below.
Further details about the review, including its Call for Solutions issued in June 2008, can be found at the review website: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/killian_pretty_review
