<p>The government continues to enact a raft of changes to the planning system designed to increase its efficiency and effectiveness. Most planning applications must now be accompanied by a design and access statement. Local authorities will have the power to set out “such particulars as they think necessary” to accompany an application. It is expected that CABE will produce a good practice guide for developers. <br><br>The time before an applicant can appeal against non-determination of a major application has also been extended to 13 weeks from eight. This brings the time period in line with the government’s best value target of 13 weeks. The start of the 13-week period is the day following the receipt of a planning application by the local authority. In addition, local authorities have been given powers to make local development orders allowing development to take place without further planning consent. Although designed for minor developments it is technically possible an order could be issued for a large site. <br><br><b>NEXT KET DATE: Design and access statements will be required from August 10</b></p>