Government minister praises Shropshire’s “innovative” planning work

Shropshire is leading the way to bring more planning power to local people, according to a Government minister.

Bob Neill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for planning, visited Shropshire today (Thursday 12 January 2012) and said he was impressed with the innovative policies being developed by the council.

Shropshire Council is one of the first councils in the country to pass money, raised as the Community Infrastructure Levy, directly to parish and town councils where development has taken place to fund much-needed community projects.  The levy is a charge that developers pay when they build new houses, with the money going straight back to the community to improve facilities and infrastructure.

The council is also bringing planning to local people by helping communities put together their own ‘Place Plans’, which set priorities for development in their area.  This work has led to the council being shortlisted for the 2011 Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Planning Awards.

Mr Neill said:

“It was a very interesting visit.  I have been impressed with the innovative work the council is doing in relation to planning.  Shropshire is ahead of the game nationally, and a lot of work has already been done regarding local planning in Shropshire which anticipates what the Government will be rolling out nationally in the future.

“I have also been very impressed with the high level of councillor involvement, which is very important to reduce the democratic gap between development and planning.”

Council leader, Keith Barrow, said:

“It was a really positive meeting and I’m pleased Bob took the time to come and see us.  I think he was suitably impressed with the work our planners have been doing with local people to make sure Shropshire continues to develop in the right way.”

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for planning, Mal Price, added:

“Involving local people in the planning of their area is a major priority for us, and it’s gratifying to get praise from the Government for the effort we’re putting in.  I hope we can continue this work as the consultation into future development sites carries on this year, as it’s essential that local people are fully involved in decisions affecting their community.”