Enfield Planning Performance Agreement: Enhancing Planning Processes for Better Results
Planning is a critical component of effective governance. It is the tool that helps authorities to manage land use, development, and infrastructure, in a manner that balances social, economic, and environmental interests. Enfield, a borough in London, has recognized the need to enhance planning processes to deliver better results for its residents and businesses. To achieve this, Enfield has introduced the Planning Performance Agreement (PPA).
What is the Enfield Planning Performance Agreement?
A Planning Performance Agreement is a voluntary document agreed upon by a local planning authority and an applicant. It sets out a clear plan of how a planning application will be handled, including timelines, the role of various parties, and performance indicators. PPAs are designed to facilitate a positive and collaborative relationship between the parties involved, aiming to deliver a high-quality decision on time and to mutual satisfaction.
The objectives of the Enfield PPA
The Enfield PPA aims to streamline the planning process by ensuring that all parties involved agree on the service to be provided, how it will be delivered, and the expected outcomes. It seeks to achieve the following objectives:
1. Predictable timeline: By setting clear timelines for the various stages of the planning process, the applicant can plan accordingly and avoid unnecessary delays.
2. Improved communication: By establishing clear lines of communication between the local planning authority and the applicant, issues can be identified and resolved quickly, ensuring that any concerns are addressed in a timely manner.
3. Enhanced quality: By agreeing on performance indicators and ensuring that they are met, the quality of the planning process is enhanced, which leads to better outcomes.
4. Reduced risk: By setting clear expectations and following a structured process, the risk of disputes and appeals is minimized, avoiding unnecessary costs and delays.
Benefits of the Enfield PPA
The Enfield PPA offers several benefits to both applicants and the local planning authority. These include:
1. Increased transparency: By agreeing on the service to be provided and the expected outcomes, the process becomes more transparent and predictable.
2. Improved accountability: By establishing performance indicators, both parties are held accountable for their responsibilities, ensuring that the process is efficient and effective.
3. Reduced costs: By avoiding unnecessary delays and disputes, costs associated with planning applications are minimized.
4. Improved outcomes: By ensuring that the planning process is efficient, effective, and of high quality, better planning outcomes are achieved.
Enfield PPA case study
In 2019, a development application was submitted for the Enfield regeneration project. The application was complex, involving multiple stages and parties. To ensure that the planning process was efficient and effective, Enfield council and the applicant agreed to a PPA. The PPA set clear timelines for the various stages of the planning process, established communication channels, and set performance indicators. As a result, the planning process was completed on time and to a high standard, resulting in the approval of the application.
Conclusion
The Enfield PPA is a valuable tool in enhancing the planning process. It offers a collaborative and transparent approach to planning applications, ensuring that all parties involved have a clear plan and expected outcomes. The benefits of the PPA include increased transparency, improved accountability, reduced costs, and improved outcomes. If you`re an applicant looking to submit a planning application in Enfield, consider a PPA to streamline the process and achieve the best results possible.