Overhauling the system

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. 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 seven 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 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     
• The creation of a fast-track system for beautiful buildings and establishing local design guidance for developers to build and preserve beautiful communities     
• All new homes ‘zero-carbon ready’.  

For further information,visit: bit.ly/PfortheF

The Planning for the future white paper is here: bit.ly/PfortheFwp

The consultation closes on Thursday 29 October. To find out more on how to respond visit: gov.uk/government/consultations/planning-for-the-future

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