The property industry and the wider business community has reacted favourably to the government’s planning green paper, published today.
The paper proposes a number of initiatives which will make the planning system “faster and fairer”, said DTLR minister Stephen Byers. Proposals include new “Business Zones”, where developers can build in designated areas without requiring specific planning approval and new local planning frameworks, including neighbourhood and village plans.
RICS planning and development spokesman Gary Halman said: “The creation of Local Development Frameworks is undoubtedly an innovative step and a more streamlined system is warmly welcomed. Safeguarding the supply of land available for housing and industry is an issue of national importance and it will be important to ensure that the new arrangements deliver this.”
Lorraine Hughes, of ATIS Real Weatheralls, said: “This radical shake-up of the planning system will benefit both business and local communities. The cumbersome development plan system will be replaced by a responsive two-tier system of local development frameworks and regional strategies. This will give greater certainty and ease deliverability.”
Digby Jones, CBI director general, said: “Our current planning system undermines UK competitiveness and discourages firms from expanding here. This is a sensible package and it’s not just business that will be pleased the government has accepted the need for major reform. The present system helps no one. It can leave a decision taking years and the grounds for that decision unclear.”
EGi News 12/12/01
