Government planning fee freeze is welcomed by CLA East Mids

CLA East Midlands said today (Monday, 25 January) that it is pleased that the Government has leant its support to rural economic recovery by freezing planning application and appeal fees for one year in a bid to stimulate new projects.

According to Housing minister, John Healey, the fee freeze would save developers £23 million this year - money which can be reinvested into new projects that will sustain economic recovery through what is predicted to be a stale year for the economy.

CLA regional director Helen Woolley said: "It is unfortunate that there has been no improvement in the planning application process since the Government decided to increase planning application fees in 2005 and again in 2008. However, we are pleased to see that common sense has prevailed and that the Government has frozen any further hikes this year.

The Leicestershire based rural chief added: "Our biggest concern though is that many rural businesses have been stopped in their tracks by the 2008 increase. How can small-scale rural businesses, including farming and diversified businesses ever expect to contribute to economic recovery if they cannot afford to obtain planning permission to remain profitable businesses in the first place?

"Before any further increases are envisaged let's first see a dramatic improvement in the handling of planning applications. Secondly, we are still looking for a resolution from the Government to the consequences that emerged from the 2008 planning fee increase which are still causing severe problems for some of our rural business members."

Fenella Collins MRICS – Senior Planning Adviser

A chartered surveyor with responsibility for CLA policy on planning and housing issues. Advises on policy including national, regional and local planning and the community infrastructure levy.

Phone: 020 7235 0511
Email fenella.collins@cla.org.uk