Temporary Relaxation of Planning Control Amidst Coronavirus
Many supermarkets, food retailers and distribution centres are likely to have restrictive conditions imposed on them at the time of gaining planning permission, in respect to hours of operation and times and numbers of deliveries from lorries and other delivery vehicles.
In the unprecedented times by reason of Coronavirus, these restrictive conditions could hinder the operation of the supermarkets, food retailers and distribution centres and their ability to provide necessary supplies.
As such, in a written ministerial statement, Robert Jenkins (Communities Secretary) told planning authorities to not carry out enforcement action that would “result in unnecessary restricting deliveries of food and other essential deliveries during this period”.
Mr Jenkins acknowledged that planning conditions are necessary to make the development acceptable to residents who might otherwise suffer from traffic, noise and other amenity issues as a result of deliveries. However, he stated that “given the exceptional challenges facing the UK from the coronavirus it is vital that deliveries of food, sanitary and other essential products over the coming weeks can be made as quickly and safely as possible, minimising the disruption to the supply chains on which our communities depend. The likely pressure on driver capacity mean additional flexibility is needed so that retailers can accept deliveries throughout the day and night where necessary”.
Whilst Jenkins recognised that the relaxation of planning control could have a ‘temporary impact’ on residents, this needed to be balanced by the “significant public interest in ensuring local residents have continued access to food, sanitary and other essential goods in their local shops”.
Once the coronavirus outbreak has subsided the Government will withdraw the statement and planning controls will once again be enforced.
Ernest View’s Planning Team is closely monitoring the planning changes and providing updates via the ‘News’ section on our website. Should you wish to discuss these changes or receive advice then please contact us.
