THE government may be embroiled in the HIPs debacle, but the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in the south-east believes the recent unveiling of the Planning White Paper by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly could be a major boost for homeowners.

The government intends to slash planning red tape for local household applications and in doing so free up the time of planners to concentrate on large applications, such as roads, retail and new housing developments.

The RICS welcomes moves which would see planning permission no longer required for minor developments, such as conservatories, small scale extensions and devices such as solar panels or domestic wind turbines. 

The government says permission should not be required where any changes to a property will have little or no impact on neighbouring properties.

Trevor Hines, RICS south-east regional director, said: “Planning applications and extensions with development control guidelines can be prohibitive in terms of time and cost, and often put people off considering new and more efficient ways to live in their houses.

“While still respecting the needs of neighbours, in terms of the right to light, these plans have to be welcomed.”

The White Paper also includes proposals to introduce a fast-track appeals system which would require them to be lodged within eight weeks, rather than six months, and the time to deal with these standard house appeals is slashed from 16 weeks to eight. 

Mr Hines said: “Speeding up the process will take further strain off the householder, but may have an impact on the planning authority in terms of having the necessary personnel on hand to manage the appeals process.

“The introduction of a nationwide standard form for applications is also welcome and will help householders and their advisers.”

The government has also proposed to strengthen local authorities oppor-tunities to avoid eyesore developments.

Mr Hines added: “Of major concern to many residents is not only new developments which may impinge on their outlook but also the issue of urban blight. Tackling these issues will be welcomed by local communities.”

One area where the RICS is disappointed is the impact the White Paper could have on the High Street.

 The RICS feels the government has fudged a decision on out-of-town retail parks. If they go ahead with this policy then they are effectively providing a rubber stamp for supermarkets and other big retail businesses,” said Mr Hines.

The wider proposals to speed up the planning regime, especially for larger infrastructure developments, such as road, rail and airports, has been welcomed by the RICS and the CBI. 

Mr Hines concluded: “There are numerous examples across the region of major investments in infrastructure which would have a positive impact on the south-east’s economy and it is imperative that we speed up the process.

“There may be a degree of concern about these proposals among communities who fear their views may be ignored in favour of development. 

“This is a natural reaction, but having read the White Paper the government has pledged its commitment to public consultation, as well as brownfield, rather than greenfield, development.