Local councils urge government to restore community influence over planning decisions.
The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has joined a coalition of local government organisations calling on the government to rethink permitted development rights (PDRs), amid growing concerns about their impact on communities, infrastructure, and housing quality.
The open letter, led by the Local Government Association (LGA) and supported by a range of national and regional bodies, urges ministers to restore local accountability in planning decisions. You can read the full letter on the LGA website.
What are permitted development rights?
Permitted development rights allow certain building works and changes of use to go ahead without requiring full planning permission. While this approach has increased housing numbers since its expansion in 2013, it has also raised serious concerns about housing quality, suitability, and loss of community benefits.
Homes created under PDRs are often reported to be smaller, of lower quality, or lacking basic amenities such as green space or safe access. Because these developments bypass the standard planning process, they also avoid contributing to local infrastructure, such as schools, transport, and health services, leaving communities with fewer resources.
NALC’s position
NALC has long argued that planning decisions should be made locally, through local and neighbourhood plans, rather than being imposed nationally.
In this joint letter, NALC and partners stress that the widespread use of PDRs undermines democratic planning processes and reduces communities’ ability to shape the future of their areas.
The coalition is calling for a more balanced approach, one that supports new homes and regeneration, but maintains quality standards, transparency, and local oversight.
What this means for Norfolk’s councils
This issue is particularly relevant for parish and town councils across Norfolk. Many local councils are already concerned about the impact of developments that bypass the planning system, often appearing without consultation or consideration of local needs.
Such developments can change the character of villages and towns, strain local services, and remove opportunities for communities to influence design, location, and contribution to local priorities.
Norfolk ALC supports NALC’s call for a planning system that empowers local councils and ensures development reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who live there.
Read the full open letter: Permitted Development Rights – Open Letter (LGA)