Councils will have to wait to take advantage of a new law paving the way for councils to take planning decisions by virtual planning committee, seen as a key step in ensuring the coronavirus pandemic does not lead to a planning gridlock.

Despite measures contained in the government’s emergency Coronavirus Act which became law yesterday, councils will not be able to hold remote video meetings immediately because they need to wait for the government to publish secondary regulation.

Planning barrister Christopher Young QC, of No.5 Chambers said he expected this could happen as early as the end of the week, or early next.

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