THE recent news that the Government has frozen the fees for planning applications and postponed the introduction of fees for appeals was generally well-received within the commercial property industry, given the fee increases introduced in 2008 and the challenging market over the last couple of years.
The introduction of such concessions goes some way in assisting developers to progress with planning applications during these uncertain economic times.
The Government has introduced several planning concessions over the past 12 months, in an attempt to encourage developers to press ahead with schemes.
For example, legislation came into effect on October 1 last year, which enabled developers to apply to extend the time limit for the implementation of existing planning permissions.
A streamlined process for making non-material amendments to approved schemes was also introduced. Although these measures did go some way to stimulating activity, more needs to be done to assist developers in getting much-needed development off the ground.
The latest quarterly statistics from English district level planning authorities has highlighted the need to take action to encourage development. Figures showed that applications were down by 12% on the corresponding figure a year ago, while the North West has seen the largest decrease in district level planning authorities, of 22%.
This latest initiative stands a good chance of encouraging developers to submit planning applications now, while the cost is fixed at current levels, before it is increased.
Additionally, if planning permission is refused, there are currently no fees to appeal.
By doing this now rather than later, developers will be able to invest precious funds elsewhere.
The Government could assist developers further by updating the existing fee regulations to include the new £500 fee for renewal applications for major developments.
In the absence of this change to the fee regulations, developers are expected to pay full application fees for submitting applications to extend the time limit of existing planning permissions.
We are eagerly awaiting this update to provide a viable option to developers with unimplemented planning permissions which are due to expire.
