Planning Reforms; are they what you want?

According to this morning's paper the new planning reforms are just what everyone wants; more consistent and faster planning approvals that will deliver better outcomes for everyone. I will be attending a forum on these on the 18th August  and will be better informed at that time. But after a quick read of the paper this morning I wasn't feeling comfortable that this is what you will want. There are 27 planned reforms and these will be subject to further public consultation over the next few months. These reforms include:

• regional Development Assessment panels-not Council (taking the local out of local government is never really a good idea), 
• creating a charter of citizen participation (whatever that means in plain English), 
• reinforcing precinct based urban renewal (read, you will get higher density in Black Forest)

Some of the ideas are logical and worth pursuing. These are:

• placing heritage on renewed foundations (if the foundations are wobbly this might read bull doze). I'm giving this one the benefit of the doubt
• improved consultation
• more accessible appeals process

The full story can be found at ; http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/expert-panel-on-planning-reform-to-release-review-of-planning-and-development-reforms/story-fni6uo1m-1227014686377

The full report can be found here;  http://www.thinkdesigndeliver.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/139640/Expert_Panel_Report_2014.pdf