CLA

Historic England is proposing a revision of its core advice note on conservation areas.  That is welcome and the new draft is a significant improvement on previous versions, but is still insufficiently clear about the benefits and disbenefits of designation, about involving owners and communities, and about the need for an explicit policy statement that conservation area designations is not intended to prevent change, that conservation areas are (or should be) living and working parts of urban and rural areas and economies, and that sympathetic change is desirable and essential where it ensures the viability and vitality of the area and buildings within it.

The CLA's response to the draft revised NPPF consultation approves of the positive elements contained in the new NPPF, which would help to boost rural communities.  However, the CLA raises the problem of the perception of the countryside and make suggestions for improving the NPPF to better meet the needs of rural businesses and communities.  The CLA has also expressed concerns over changes to planning policy for developer contributions.

The CLA's response to the MHCLG consultation entitled 'Supporting housing delivery through developer contributions' expresses our concerns over changes to the development contributions policy.  Developers are charged a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) when planning permission is granted to build residential and commercial units.  The consultation proposals (including those in the draft revised NPPF consultation) appear to remove virtually all incentives for landowners to bring agricultural land forward for development.

The CLA has responded to Defra's consultation on Health and Harmony: the future for food, farming and the environment in a Green Brexit.

The CLA has responded to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government consultation on Improving the use of planning conditions.