25 signatures reached
To: Local government
Stop piracy in the planning process
Dear Minister for the Environment,
At present there is no requirement for planning applications to consider ownership of land. Where boundary disputes develop during the application it can still be passed regardless of the merits of each case. I request a change in the law that requires developers to ensure ownership when submitting an application. Where boundaries are disputed this should cease the application until resolved.
Why is this important?
At the moment the law favours developers, who can cast doubt on boundaries and have the resources to pursue such claims. Planners rely on a prescriptive set of measurements and rules which limit their ability to make ethical judgements. Councillors equally err in favour of planners to avoid expensive litigation. Neighbours who are unable to fund a challenge are easily disregarded. Currently planning applications are being passed despite boundary disputes, causing immense distress to residents in neighbouring properties who can object but are told by planning officers that there is no requirement for applicants to demonstrate ownership of land being developed.
