Letters Extra - Civic society seeks a better planning process

Published: 29 April, 2010

Open letter to the leaders of the main political parties involved in the May 6 Camden Council elections

• YOU will be aware of the concerns expressed over the years by many local environment groups and conservation area committees, at the gap between us and the local planning process here in Camden.
Four years ago, in advance of the 2006 local elections, the Camden Civic Society sent an open letter to the then leaders of the main parties contesting the local elections. Two of the recipients did not survive polling day!
Our intention was then, and is now, to encourage the new council to improve significantly, a wider understanding and therefore the accountability of the local planning process.
Despite the legal framework under which the planners have to work, and which unfortunately favours development – large or small – progress has been made. The society is now writing similarly, as we believe further advances could now be made, such as:
– To extend still further, the dialogue between every section of the planning and environment department, and all those willing, but occasionally frustrated volunteers, who labour constantly to make Camden a decent place in which to live and work.
We all need to understand even more clearly what is possible, and what is only practical.
In particular, there is a need to reach a closer understanding and agreement on Camden’s position on the emerging new policies for Local Development Frameworks especially, but not only, on basements.
– The council’s scrutiny function, the key role for the majority of councillors, needs to be significantly strengthened and operated in those areas of major long-term value to Camden residents, such as planning and the environment.
The operation of standing committees, the planning process, the role of conservation areas, and the application of national standards to local needs, and many other issues raised by our environment groups, all require objective and properly funded examination, in depth.
– To achieve a better apportionment of the council’s advertising budget between traffic and road notices, and planning applications.
– To secure better working relationships with neighbouring local authorities so different sides of the same road do not suffer from conflicting policies.
– To undertake a comprehensive review, and thereafter the ruthless culling of cumbersome, excessive and obtrusive street furniture.
– To sponsor, with others, a comprehensive hydrological survey across Camden to protect those whose properties are threatened by underground development.
– To ensure that much greater effort is made to notify neighbours, generously interpreted, of all local planning applications, and then of their outcome, and why.
– While the operation of the development control committee had improved with the provision of a new plan projection screen, further efforts need to be made to ensure the conduct of meetings is not a private conversation between sometimes inaudible officers and members, but is fully audible to the public; it is after all a meeting designated as “open to the public”.
– To achieve greater consistency in decision-making, particularly with regard to sound precedents, in respect of both planning application and enforcement. This includes avoiding (in conservation areas), citing pre-CA constructions, as relevant precedents, if they offend post-CA principles. This requires having an extensive and accurate “corporate council memory”.
– While welcoming additional enforcement staff, the need for rapid and effective action against infringements, remains paramount. No cosy compromises.
I look forward to your response, and then to action after May 6.
MARTIN MORTON
Chairman
Camden Civic Society