A new year often means new rules and fresh regulations. But what are the changes that are going to affect the planning process in 2020 and beyond? Liz Shield, a planning consultant at SF Planning takes a look at what's in store.

During 2020 all Gloucestershire local authorities will be continuing with their local plan preparations.

Once adopted, all planning applications will be considered against the plan, so they have a strong influence over the types of development put forward.

Cotswold District Council are yet to announce any updates, but we anticipate further consultation in Stroud and the Forest of Dean.

Tewkesbury and Gloucester are likely to submit their respective draft local plans to the Secretary of State shortly, so we can expect examination hearings later in 2020.

At the end of 2019, Cheltenham Borough Council consulted on the proposed modifications to their local plan following examination ahead of a likely adoption this year.

Regeneration work will continue to happen in Gloucester with the planning application for the redevelopment of Kings Quarter hopefully due to be determined early in 2020.

In Cheltenham, SF Planning recently helped to secure planning permission for phase two of the Quadrangle development.

Phase two involves the creation of a new public events space and new landscaping. Work is set to continue throughout 2020.

Nationally, we aren't quite sure what the longer-term impacts of Brexit will be. In time we might see changes to the requirement for Environmental Impact Assessments which are needed for larger or more sensitive development applications.

Once Brexit has been set in motion, the new government is likely to start making some changes to the planning system, although we're still guessing what form they will take.

There are some clues in the Queens Speech and the Conservative Manifesto, including the target to deliver 300,000 homes per year and the commitment to investing in public services and infrastructure.

The Manifesto also expressed an intention to extend enforcement powers - primarily to deal with unauthorised traveller camps and discussed greater community say in design standards and infrastructure spending.

Briefing notes with the Queens Speech mentioned an 'ambitious' planning white paper and discussed a £10billion Single Housing Infrastructure Fund, to provide the services needed for new homes.

More information may be forthcoming in the budget next month.

The White Paper is intended to 'make the planning process clearer and more accessible and address resourcing and performance in Planning Departments'.

We are yet to see what this will mean for planning at a local level, or how it might be achieved but it's definitely something to watch out for.

Therefore, 2020 is likely to be a year in which we start to see changes to the planning system.

There is likely to be a greater emphasis on design and environmental considerations and the drive to boost housing supply and delivery is likely to remain a key priority.

For more information on any aspect of the planning process, contact Liz Shield at SF Planning Ltd. 

Telephone - 01452 527997 

Email - liz@sfplanning.co.uk 

www.sfplanning.co.uk 

Twitter - @SFPlanningLtd