Planning

Planning

This overview highlights key planning issues for construction lawyers and provides links to relevant content. Further information and guidance is provided in the Planning Practice Area.

Is planning permission required?

Planning permission is required for the 'development' of land. Development is defined in section 55 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA 1990) as comprising:

•
operations affecting land, and
•
changes of use of land

See Overview: Is planning permission required?

Planning permission or ‘prior approval’ may be required to demolish a building, depending on the type and size of building and where it is located. Permitted development rights exist for building operations consisting of the demolition of a building, subject to certain conditions and exceptions. The local planning authority (LPA) can make a direction to restrict the permitted development rights that apply to demolition. See Practice Note: Planning issues in demolition.

Planning applications

An application for outline planning permission provides a decision on the general principles of how a site can be developed (TCPA 1990, s 92). Outline planning permission is granted subject to conditions requiring

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Latest Construction News

Construction weekly highlights—21 November 2024

This week's edition of Construction weekly highlights includes as a case in which the TCC refused to award a successful claimant costs of its enforcement claim (Complete Ceiling v DE1), an announcement from the Welsh Government on its proposals for building safety reforms in Wales, launch of a second consultation by the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) on the Climate Resilience Roadmap, publication of the Civil Justice Council (CJC)’s phase two report on its review of the Pre-Action Protocols (including the Pre-Action Protocol for Construction & Engineering disputes), and publication of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC)’s latest quarterly report on output in the construction sector.

CJC publishes phase two report on review of PAPs

The Civil Justice Council (CJC) has published its phase two report on the review of Pre-Action Protocols (PAPs), outlining recommendations for reforming litigation-specific PAPs, including the Construction and Engineering (C&E) PAP. The report recommends maintaining most aspects of the C&E PAP, while proposing minor enhancements. Some of the key recommendations include making engagement with the C&E PAP mandatory, subject to limited exceptions such as the right to opt out by mutual consent, preserving the current timeframes, retaining the Protocol Referee Procedure to enforce compliance, as well as refraining from introducing a formal disclosure standard. It also recommends maintaining the existing without prejudice meeting format, which already incorporates a stocktake procedure.

UKGBC launches second consultation on Climate Resilience Roadmap

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has launched a second consultation on the Climate Resilience Roadmap, aimed at assisting the built environment in adapting to climate change. The consultation document outlines five key policy recommendations, including prioritising climate safety at a national level under the Prime Minister's leadership, reforming the planning system, and ensuring existing and new buildings are prepared for future climate hazards. The consultation also seeks feedback on updated proposals from the UKGBC’s July 2024 consultation, with the aim of refining the roadmap before its final publication. The final roadmap, scheduled for publication in March 2025, will comprise a policy recommendations report, technical guidance, and an interactive 'vulnerability to climate hazards' web map. The consultation closes on 6 January 2025.

CLC publishes report on increasing EV uptake in the construction sector

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has published a report examining the low uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK construction sector, which currently stands at just 5.2%. The report identifies four key barriers to EV uptake: limited home charging infrastructure, on-site charging challenges, legislative issues concerning Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) EVs, and high ownership costs. To address these issues, the report recommends improving public charging networks, installing separate meters in employees’ homes, adopting a more strategic approach to on-site charging, and amending legislation to remove LCV EVs from Heavy Goods Vehicle thresholds. Additionally, the report suggests offering financial incentives, such as capital offset for firms investing in EVs and reduced Ministry of Transport testing costs.