Small businesses and Planning

The Federation of Small Businesses has published a report on Small Businesses and Planning.

Based on a survey of FSB members the report seeks a planning system that reduces barriers for small businesses, and allows them a greater say in local planning. The reports key recommendations are:

For Government to work closely with small businesses to ensure the measures introduced in the new planning system properly address the planning barriers small businesses face.
Provide greater clarity on the role of Local Economic Partnerships (LEPs), and ensure small businesses are properly represented on LEPs.
Ensure the new presumption in favour of sustainable development is streamlined and free of unnecessary delay.
Adopt a town centre first approach in national policy.
Consider carefully risks to supply of business premises as a result of changes to the Use Classes.
Develop a guide to help businesses through the planing system.
Speed up processing of minor planning applications.
Local councils should make sure local plans are up to date and make greater use of Local Development Orders to allow small businesses to grow.

If you are a small business and need help with the planning system, planning application, or want to know more about LEPs, and the upcoming changes to the planning system give Mick a call on 01282 872572 or email your query.

Kirkwells are members of the FSB and the FSB report can be downloaded here.

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