Government sets plans to overhaul planning system in England
The government has set out new plans to overhaul the planning system in England, and reform the way the country builds.
The Planning for the Future consultation proposes reforms of the planning system to streamline and modernise the planning process; bring a new focus to design and sustainability; improve the system of developer contributions to infrastructure; and ensure more land is available for development where it is needed.
The reforms are intended to mean that:
- Local communities will be consulted from the very beginning of the planning process. By harnessing the latest technology through online maps and data, the whole system will be made more accessible;
- Valued green spaces will be protected for future generations by allowing for more building on brownfield land and all new streets to be tree lined;
- Much-needed homes will be built quicker by ensuring local housing plans are developed and agreed in 30 months – down from the current 7 years it often takes;
- Every area to have a local plan in place - currently only 50% of local areas have an up-to-date plan to build more homes;
- The planning process to be overhauled and replaced with a clearer, rules-based system. Currently around a third of planning cases that go to appeal are overturned at appeal;
- A new simpler national levy to replace the current system of developer contributions which often causes delay;
- The creation of a fast-track system for beautiful buildings and establishing local design guidance for developers to build and preserve beautiful communities; and
- All new homes to be ‘zero carbon ready’.
For further information, the government’s press release is here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/launch-of-planning-for-the-future-consultation-to-reform-the-planning-system
The Planning for the Future White Paper is here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/planning-for-the-future
The consultation has opened 6 August and will run for 12 weeks until Thursday, 29 October.
To find out more on how to respond visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/planning-for-the-future