Release date: 10 January 2012
Responding to Nick Boles' announcements on new incentives to get more people involved in planning and the development of their area, John Mathers Chief Executive of the Design Council said:
"Development should bring direct benefits to the local community and the area in which it takes place. Neighbourhood Planning rightly puts local people centre stage to take more control of their area and change it for better. So incentives that encourage more people to participate in planning through neighbourhood plans or otherwise are of course welcome. The new commitment to give a percentage of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to neighbourhoods is an important step to ensure that aspirations set out in plans deliver tangible results for local people through development.
Nick Boles is also right to emphasise the importance of a credible Local Plan to ensure that development takes place in the right location and houses are built where they are needed. The Design Council will continue to work with communities and local authorities to make sure their plans push local ambition and deliver a better quality place.”
ENDS
For further information please contact Tim Crowley, Head of Communications, Design Council:
tim.crowley@designcouncil.org.uk
07748 906897