Localism and Planning – A Book Review

by Brian Risman, Publisher and Founder, The Law Journal UK

Localism and Planning is a timely work discussing a high controversial issue currently affecting the UK, but with implications for other jurisdictions worldwide that may face similar ideological initiatives to replace central planning with local control.

Localism and Planning deals with the Conservative coalition government's plan to replace the centralised control of urban and regional planning with an entirely revamped system based on localised control. This information is of value to all the parties, including the public, affected by this issue. But the value of this book is much deeper. Given the conservative ideological impetus for this initiative, readers worldwide will find reading this work quite enlightening, given that similar ideological proposals may appear in different countries, whether ruled by a Conservative-style government or not. That is not to say the Conservative's localism approach is right or wrong. It may prove to make complete sense, and this review is not taking an ideological stance either way. But it is obvious that similar approaches are occurring -- or are likely to occur -- worldwide, and readers in the UK and abroad should understand its implications. This book gives the implication of this massive initiative to all parties, including the public, in the UK.

This work is valuable to legal practitioners in that it covers the legal aspects of the Localism Planning initiative in great detail. What is just as valuable is that the historic development of this initiative is covered in detail, which gives a great deal of context for all readers.

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the book is in the final chapter, "Navigating the system". Not only does this chapter aid the user in dealing with this new regime, but does so from the perspective of the landowner, the developer, the local planning authority, and the local resident/local business. This is a very readable guide for each of these parties, with a separate section devoted to each. Legal practitioners will find this section of value in advising their clients on the new localised world of planning.

As noted, the book starts with the history of this initiative. It then moves into the new world, starting with the local authorities powers and duties; moving onto community empowerment; the abolition of regional strategies; neighbourhood planning; pre-planning consultation; enforcement against breaches of planning control; the new Community Infrastructure Levy; nationally significant infrastructure projects; the special case of London; Local Enterprise Partnerships and enterprise zones; the National Planning Policy Framework; and the funding of Local Planning Authorities.

This book is highly recommended to parties involved in the planning process, from legal practitioners, to the landowner, developer, local planning authority and local residents/businesses. It gives each of these parties a great understanding of the context and operation of the new localised planning regime. It will give other readers, both in the UK and worldwide, a deep awareness of the ideological approach being undertaken. And which could affect anyone in a jurisdiction where similar approaches may be applied.

For more information on purchasing this book, please click on the link below.

Localism and Planning is published by Bloomsbury Professional. Please note that The Law Journal UK takes no responsibility for the contents of this book, or works by other authors.

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Brian Risman

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