Will virtual planning committees be the new normal?

Director, Ben Woolman shares his thoughts on the practicality of virtual planning meetings in a recent issue of Property Week.

The government shut down many industries in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, but not all of the construction industry. This stance has had huge implications, not just for developers and contractors but also planning authorities.

Legislative changes were made back in March, allowing planning committees to meet virtually and since then have become vital in helping to maintain the progression of planning applications.

So to what extent are local authorities using VPCs and could they be here to stay?

Developers report that applications are being processed more quickly as a result of the move to VPCs. “We’re finding that some local authorities are working quicker”, says Ben Woolman, director of Woolbro Group. “The response rate from planning officers in some examples has improved as offices have adapted well to remote working”.

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