Bath’s historic character could be at risk if changes to the planning system announced in this week’s Queen’s Speech become law, Bath Preservation Trust is warning.
It could also lead to poor-quality homes being built around the city without local people having a say, the Trust said.
A new Bill reforming current planning rules is expected to be brought before Parliament this autumn following its mention in the Queen’s Speech, in which the government outlined legislation it hopes to introduce over the next year.
The Bill is likely to include a relaxation of planning controls, as suggested by recent government consultations, potentially offering less protection to the Bath, according to Bath Preservation Trust (BTP).
“The forthcoming Bill would give automatic approval for changes of use to create new homes, and the government will call on local councils to zone land, for development (permitted in principle) or protection,” it said.
“BPT believes zoning of land is too simplistic for a complex and varied historic city such as Bath, therefore it is even more important that local communities and civic societies such as BPT have a say in the process of deciding such zones.”
It pointed out that it had decades of experience on planning matters, which it said led it to conclude that a coalition of interest in planning processes was most likely to result in a successful outcome.
“This principle can and should be applied in turn to reform of the planning system,” it added.
It also warned that the widening of Permitted Development Rights – which allow commercial buildings to be converted into homes without planning consent – would prevent a planned approach to Bath city centre and risked “leading to the loss of historic character through inappropriate development and unsympathetic alterations”.
“Automatic permission for new homes in existing commercial buildings risks harm to the mix of uses and vitality of our high streets and would likely lead to the creation of poor-quality homes and living environment,” it said.
“Like others we are disappointed by the government emphasis on housing numbers, and glaring omissions on true housing affordability. Yes, we need more homes, but the urgent priority at this time must be to use the current system to incentivise the building of already-permitted houses, to mitigate climate change and to enhance biodiversity, and ensure everyone has a decent home that they can afford.”
BPT also said it did not believe that planning was a barrier to building homes, pointing to research by the countryside charity CPRE showed there were more permissions than developers could build.
“What’s needed is a different set of reforms that maintains a heathy balance between speedy development, better places, and natural and historic environment protection,” it said.
“BPT is very concerned that the proposed creation of an entirely new system has failed to include World Heritage Sites in primary legislation.
“Planning reform will take time and investment in local authorities, and without the latter it will fail.
“In the current economic climate, resources would be better spent on refocusing training and time on proper place-shaping through the existing participatory planning system.”
