Victor Moore
£21.95 plus postage and packing
CBD Stock No: 2791
Some readers will undoubtedly remember with affection a very valuable little book entitled Notes on the Need for Planning Permission, by DEH James. It was relevant, concise and eminently readable, yet seemed to cover all the aspects of town planning that one needed to know in a slim volume. These features made it a bible on planning law.
Victor Moore's new edition of A Practical Approach to Planning Law is a much more extensive work that still manages to convey the essential information in much the same way.
Initially I was somewhat daunted by its length, nearly 650 pages including appendices and index, but the structure, layout and language actually make this a very approachable reference.
Moore's appeal lies in his ability to present a complex welter of detailed and learned research, clearly essential reading for other lawyers or experts in the field, in such a way as to make a genuinely practical guide for those directly involved in the construction industry on a day-to-day basis – that is, architects, surveyors, developers, builders; but also planning officers and, it is to be hoped, councillors.
Moore successfully dissects hundreds of aspects of legislation that have influenced the present situation. He begins by tracing the origins of town planning, from the early part of the 20th century through to the present day, and contrasts the lack of direct legislative action since 1991 with ministerial activity in the same period.
He charts the national planning system with references to PPGs, MPGs and RPGs as well as simplified planning zones and development plans, putting into context the rules and regulations, reports and relevant cases. Later chapters define development and material change of use (with appropriate examples) and focus on permitted development. Local authority procedures (including enforcement – even remedies for adverse planning decisions) together with planning conditions, agreements and obligations are explained, and the implications of a planning permission are analysed in depth.
Situations relating to listed buildings, conservation areas, ancient monuments, areas of archaeological importance, trees, hedgerows, natural habitats, minerals and outdoor advertisements are thoroughly examined. Appeals, statutory and judicial review, referral to the ombudsman, development by the Crown, statutory undertakers and local authorities are also considered.
In fact I find nothing missing, though of course with a new government some references will become out of date. I have no hesitation in recommending this seventh edition to professionals across the board in the belief that, in perhaps another 30 years, a different reviewer will refer to it as his "bible" on planning law.
Source
Construction Manager
