Regulations that force councils to advertise planning applications in local newspapers could be relaxed after a government department suggested a switch to internet-based notices.
The Department of Communities and Local Government’s consultation on publicity for applications has suggested a number of options including making web publication mandatory for a period of 21 days to replace newspaper listing. The move could save councils an estimated £35,000 a year each.
The consultation has also considered removing statutory measures to publicise major applications in newspapers and raising the period for displaying listed building and conservation area consent site notices to 21 days.
At the moment, the time period for advertising site notices is set at seven days. For applications online it is 14 days and for newspapers 21 days. The proposals follow recommendations in the Killian-Pretty review.
The London Borough of Camden has already run a pilot project in which statutory requirements to advertise applications in newspapers were withdrawn. The council has now reintroduced the procedure for major developments, but the money saved has allowed it to employ a community engagement officer for planning.
