Loopholes in planning law (From Warrington Guardian)

Loopholes in planning law

are 'confusing'

THE planning system has been criticised as 'confusing' following pressure to approve new developments in Newton.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Suzanne Knight criticised the legal loopholes of local authority planning.

Within the past year, developers at sites across Newton have submitted similar blueprints on identical plots, just weeks after initial plans were thrown out by councillors.

Often, the same developer has already submitted an appeal against the decision on the original proposal.

Now councillors say this is a ploy by developers determined to see their blueprints come to life.

Clr Knight said: "Newton has been hit by a spate of secondary applications from large developers relentlessly pursuing building approval.

"It is terribly confusing for the planning committee, but what about the residents who do not know what to do and when they can oppose proposals which are almost identical?

"It is a long drawn out process that leaves the council footing huge bills, until they have no alternative but to submit," added Clr Knight.

Such sites include apartments on Crow Lane West, the High Street and the former site of Newton Hall.

Labour councillor Dave Banks feels the council achieves the best it can within the parameters of the current planning laws.

He added: "Unfortunately, applicants are able to appeal, and I hope these are turned down.

"However, developers must be allowed to submit amended applications which can improve the area for the better."

A spokesman for St Helens Council said developers were not acting illegally.

He added: "Each application is considered on its own individual merits, that is the basis in planning law.

"As such, while an applicant is entitled to appeal against the decision of the local planning authority, they are also entitled to re-submit another application."

Clr Knight suggests that, in order to prevent the problem now facing Newton, developers should be made to wait until an appeal has been decided before submitting another proposal.

But no such change in planning procedures are expected.