The RTPI has proposed a clear "route map" to government to help Local Authorities take full advantage of strategic plans as soon as possible and to keep making local plans while they are introduced.
The RTPI's route map proposals suggest a clear outline of where each local authority fits into the government’s direction of travel on strategic planning and national policy reforms, providing clarity and certainty through the transition.
It would help them continue producing local plans, delivering housing targets and easing the transition to England-wide strategic planning.
In September, the RTPI warned the Government that some local authorities could face unrealistic housing targets and a large amount of speculative development without a smooth transition between changes to the NPPF and future strategic planning across England.
This is a growing concern for communities and local decision-makers, with some local authorities across England now stopping the development of local plans, and expressing concerns that the housing targets seen in some areas are unachievable, or that national policy is in flux.
The route map should include the key aspects that local authorities and other public sector bodies need to know about their role in this transition period and how it will impact them at different times, including:
- A timeline with key milestones and actions from now until new legislation for strategic planning is introduced.
- Clarification on the future boundaries for new strategic plans and the bodies responsible for implementing them.
- Details of the financial and professional support that Local Planning Authorities and strategic planning bodies can expect from the government.
The RTPI has suggested setting up 'shadow' planning bodies in areas that will be required to create strategic plans in the future, allowing them to prepare ahead of time even before they have the formal powers.
Simon Creer, Communications Director at the RTPI, said: "The key to success for the government's new national planning policy will be England-wide strategic planning. However, we will face a period of uncertainty as local planning authorities struggle to understand their role in the government's plans. We are already seeing this happen.
“Without clear, widely shared guidance, local authorities risk being stuck in a period of uncertainty. Our route map offers measures that can provide them with the confidence they need to continue making crucial planning decisions.”
Daniel Slade, Head of Practice and Research at the RTPI, said: “While we fully support the move toward strategic planning across England, it's clear that the transition between the proposed national planning policy reforms and the introduction of England-wide strategic planning would come with its own challenges.
“These need to be clearly identified and actively managed by the government during the transition. Our analysis suggests that the Ministry must take steps to ensure housing delivery and local plan production continue smoothly in the interim, while aiming to implement strategic plans as quickly as possible."
