RELAXATION of the planning rules has led to a flurry of requests from developers in Cornwall to extend their working hours.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has outlined his plans for a complete reform of the planning system, the detail of which has yet to emerge.
But in the short term, the Government’s plan to boost the coronavirus recovery includes a temporary loosening of planning rules such as change of use, and the conditions on hours of construction that usually accompany a planning approval.
Working until 9pm will enable construction work to continue in line with safe social distancing, say s the Government.
Developers have already been lodging applications with Cornwall Council indicating they want to change their working practices. Having downed tools during the pandemic the companies are keen to get their projects back on track and sell houses.
Among the requests submitted are four from developer Wainhomes for an extension of working hours at sites in Liskeard, Bodmin, Launceston and St Ann’s Chapel.
In St Ann’s Chapel, where around 140 homes are being built, and in Launceston, where a scheme for 118 new houses is going ahead at the former Withnoe Farm, Wainhomes has asked for permission to work until 9pm on Mondays to Saturdays.
In Bodmin, where the developer has a scheme underway for 280 houses off Dunmere Road, the current working hours stated are 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am – 1pm on Saturdays.
The Government says it expects local authorities to agree to requests unless there are compelling reasons not to do so.
The Business and Planning Bill states that the local authority has 14 days to respond to requests from developers for changes to working hours otheriwse ’the condition to which the application relates will be deemed to have been modified in accordance with the application.’
Changes to working hours will stand until no later than April 2021, it states in the Bill.