Weekly planning news

Parliamentary committee launches inquiry into cladding remediation progress

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has initiated an investigation to assess the progress and effectiveness of cladding remediation efforts on buildings at high risk. This inquiry will call upon officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) to provide a detailed account of the current status of cladding remediation measures. 

The primary focus will be on evaluating the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of government-led initiatives aimed at resolving the issue. Initially, the goal was to remove all dangerous Grenfell-style cladding by June 2020, a target that has now been significantly delayed, prompting this formal investigation. 

Key areas of investigation: 

1. Progress and timelines: A review of current project timelines and identification processes will be conducted to set a realistic target date for full remediation. 
2. Protection of public funds: This segment will scrutinise measures taken to safeguard taxpayer investments in the remediation process. 
3. Government's building safety protocols: The inquiry will examine the government’s approach to building safety and the application of protocols aimed at preventing incidents similar to the Grenfell tragedy. 
4. Utilisation of Autumn Budget’s additional £1bn: This hearing will ensure that the £1bn recently allocated in the Autumn budget for cladding remediation is being applied effectively. 

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, chair of the Public Accounts Committee, stated, “As our programme of work gets under way, I’m looking forward to working with members of all parties to continue to fulfil this committee’s historic role in the service of the wider public – to be seekers after the truth on government policy delivery. 

“In order to achieve this, we will aim to engage with our expert witnesses constructively but persistently to obtain answers to difficult questions which will inform our subsequent reports and important recommendations.” 

Planning Portal is eager to gain insights from the investigation to share future building safety clarity. 

Planning officers advise against approval of 8,400-Home Garden Village on unallocated land

Swale Borough Council planning officers have recommended rejecting the Highsted Park Garden Village proposal, an 8,400-home development by Quinn Estates on unallocated greenfield land near Sittingbourne, Kent. The officers argued that the project’s potential harm to local heritage and landscape outweighs benefits, despite the council’s housing shortfall. 

Quinn Estates had proposed two sites totalling 677 hectares, including commercial space, schools, green infrastructure, and new roads. Although reduced to 7,150 homes in response to feedback, the project faced numerous objections, including from Historic England and local parish councils. 

While Swale’s housing supply deficit activates the NPPF’s “presumption in favour of sustainable development,” officers cited the proximity to protected heritage and ecological sites as grounds for refusal. Quinn Estates expressed “disappointment,” highlighting the project’s support from local businesses and its alignment with infrastructure plans but suggested the council of prioritising politics over public need. 

Slough Borough Council votes to adopt new ten-year Simplified Planning Zone

A 168-hectare simplified planning zone (SPZ) has been renewed by Slough Borough Council on the Slough Trading Estate.

The zone lasts for 10 years and automatically grants full planning permission for specified types of construction of industrial buildings provided a range of conditions are met. Saving applicants from having to apply for planning permission and providing certainty as to the future direction of the Trading Estate.

Through allocating the SPZ, the council hopes to increase the number of data centres, warehouses and research and development centres in the area. This matches government intentions boost data centres throughout the country.

Slough Trading Estate originally had an SPZ applied in 1995, which has been consistently renewed every ten years, in 2004, 2014 and 2024.

The SPZ is supplemented by design codes and funding through a section 106 agreement. The £20 million reserved by the S106 will focus on improving the local area, access and biodiversity.