Member

As mentioned in previous debates, the amendment would introduce a statutory obligation for public bodies to “have regard” to SME-specific issues. We do not feel that that approach is necessary or proportionate. It would impose a legal duty on authorities to demonstrate how they have considered SME concerns and barriers when exercising their planning and development functions. This would create a new burden for local planning authorities and other public bodies. It would also further complicate our complex planning system and could create a new avenue by which legal challenges could be brought forward.