Government unveils major overhaul of planning committees

Planning decisions are set to be fast-tracked in an overhaul of local planning committees. Under the proposals, applications that comply with local development plans could bypass planning committees entirely in a bid to tackle “chronic uncertainty, unacceptable delays and unnecessary waste of time and resources”. The measures would see a national scheme of delegation introduced, the creation of streamlined committees for strategic development and mandatory training for planning committee members. Local planning officers will also be given an enhanced decision-making role to implement agreed planning policy. Labour said the changes would mean greater certainty for housebuilders that good-quality schemes aligned with already-agreed local development plans will be approved in a timely manner. Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner said: “Building more homes and infrastructure across the country means unblocking the clogged-up planning system that serves as a chokehold on growth. Streamlining the approvals process by modernising local planning committees means tackling the chronic uncertainty and damaging delays that acts as a drag anchor on building the homes people desperately need.” She added: “Through our Planning and Infrastructure Bill, alongside new National Planning Policy Framework and mandatory housing targets, we are taking decisive steps to accelerate building, get spades in the ground and deliver the change communities need.” Victoria Hills, chief executive at the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “By empowering qualified planners to implement planning policies, locally elected councillors will have the time to focus on the more significant cases, effectively speeding up the planning process and reducing unnecessary delays. “By requiring councillors to undergo appropriate training before joining planning committees, we can ensure planning decisions are made for the greater good of the communities while aligning with national policies.” A working paper on the proposals can be read in full here: Planning Reform Working Paper – Planning Committees Photo by ADAM VAUGHAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (14733496s)