Planners will say that they try to manage that change by finding the best solutions to meet the needs of the environment, people and the economy, without damaging resources for the future. But, do you feel confused as to how plans are made and how you, a small business, can influence them?
The planning system and the bodies that control it, have considerable direct and indirect impact on the conditions under which small businesses have to operate. Small town centre shops that have suffered when a large supermarket has been built on the edge of town, or those who have lost trade through restrictive parking policies will testify to that. There are key points in the planning process however, where you could influence policies and development decisions to help alleviate impact, or even prevent plans from going ahead.
We often don't think about what Planning is controlling, until we see a new building being built, or a road scheme being implemented. By then it is too late to make a difference. The decision to allow those developments will be based on policies and guidance handed down from central government, through the Regional Assemblies, to local authorities. For guidance on how it all works click here to visit the Department for Communities and Local Government's web site.
The FSB Policy Committee will be monitoring the development of government policy, but there are many opportunities for you to lobby at regional and local levels.
Regional Plans
Produced recently by Regional Assemblies, have determined the amount of development (building of housing, schools, recreation and business premises) each local authority has to provide. In future the Regional Development Agency will be producing a combined Spatial and Economic Development Strategy. click here for the link to information on the current EM Regional Assembley Integrated Regional Plan .
Local Plans
Each local authority has to publish a 5 year plan (now called a Local Development Framework), including a proposals map, to show where each type of development will, and will not, be encouraged or allowed. Those plans are likely to impact on your business to some degree, either positively or negatively. Have a look at those plans as they are being developed. Information on the timetable will be provided in the press and on your local authority's web site. If you feel there is an issue appropriate for the FSB to lobby on, contact the Regional Organiser. Big campaigns always start small!
Development Control
Planning applications can herald opportunities and threats to businesses. Each local authority publishes a weekly list of applications in the press and on their web sites. Many of them provide a free e mail service too. Keep an eye on those lists and if anything "hits a nerve" let the Regional Organiser know and perhaps together you could make a representation or objection.
Finally if you decide to make a representation on a Plan in your own right you may be eligible for help from Planning Aid East Midlands, a charity employing professional planners, which provides help for those unable to afford to pay consultants' fees.
Click here to go to the East Midlands section of their web site for more information, or call their helpline 0870 850 9802.