Planning can be an extremely emotive subject. Often there are winners and losers meaning that people are not satisfied with the outcome whatever decision is arrived at. The planning system which has evolved over many years needs urgent review. Nearby properties to the application must be fully notified. Even now not all people have email so there is a need to inform them by post or other means. The yellow notice should be clearly visible to all passers by and be maintained in a visible position throughout the process.
It is vital that brown field sites and derelict buildings are prioritised as there are a lot of areas that look desolate and have just become a dumping ground.
If an application goes to appeal is it best to bring in an independent inspector who’s decision can be overturned by the minister? How far should we go on enforcement when it may not be in the public interest to do so? Should section 13 regulations be used more to ensure developers keep their side of the agreement? The new administration will need to urgently address all of these anomalies.