Architects show interest; Commercial Property WHO'S PLANNING WHAT? ward had away law firm.

Byline: ANDREW MOSS 

IF the attendance at a recent Ward Hadaway seminar is anything to go by, architects across the North are keen to keep up to date with the latest legislation.

More than 50 architects and technologists attended 'Essential Issues for Architects', which saw our planning team give the lowdown on a number of important issues including the Planning Act 2008, Sequential Testing and the Lawful Implementation of Planning Permissions.

So why is the Planning Act 2008 so important?

Because over time, it will bring significant changes to the planning system as specific sections come into force. There are five main areas within the Planning Act 2008: 1) Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) and the new Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), who will usually be responsible for determining applications for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Such projects could include wind farms for example.

2) National Planning Statements (NSP). These will provide policy advice on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

3) The Community Infrastructure Levy, a charge to raise money following the implementation of a planning consent.

4) Changes to the development control system and other planning changes. These include the potential for the Planning Inspectorate to decide how an appeal will be considered, for example by way of written representations, by hearing or by Inquiry; 5) Compulsory Purchase Matters, an updating of the current process.

These changes are to be introduced starting from April 2009 and will have a significant bearing on all those with an interest in the use and development of land. Further details will be provided in forthcoming articles.

Andrew Moss is head of planning at Ward Hadaway law firm in Newcastle Authority: Sedgefield Borough Council Applicant: Railway Housing Association Application number: 7/2009/0052/DM Proposal: Installation of solar panels and external cycle storage sheds to 11 bungalows at Plevna Mews (Formerly Shildon Court), Almoa Road, Shildon, County Durham.

Authority: Darlington Borough Council Applicant: European Metal Recycling Limited Application number: 09/00073/FUL Proposal: Change of use to the storage and processing of scrap metals, installation of 50ftlong weighbridge, erection of building for processing end of life vehicles, erection of two-storey weighbridge offices and staff amenity block at L B G Transport, Cleveland Trading Estate, Darlington, DL1 2PB.

Authority: Middlesbrough Council Applicant: Erimus H ousing