Consultation on new NPPF expected by the end of the month.

8 July 2024

It is quite clear that the new Labour Government is moving quickly, with the new Chancellor setting out in a speech today (8th July) what planning reforms will be imminent. As with previous ministers, this Chancellor has identified the planning system as being antiquated which leaves too many important projects getting tied up in bureaucracy before making any progress. In order to make the planning system more efficient, the new Labour Government has promised the following reforms in order to kickstart economic growth and to take the urgent steps necessary to build the infrastructure that we need, including one and a half million homes over the next five years:

1. Reform the National Planning Policy Framework, consulting on a new growth-focused approach to the planning system before the end of the month, including restoring mandatory housing targets.
2. Ending the ban on new onshore wind in England. Consultations will take place regarding bringing onshore wind back into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime, meaning decisions on large developments will be taken nationally not locally. The Government will give priority to energy projects in the system to ensure they make swift progress.
3. Create a new taskforce to accelerate stalled housing sites in our country.
4. Support local authorities with 300 additional planning officers across the country.
5. Change the system and the way ministers use their powers of intervention so that growth is at the centre of the planning system. Therefore, where investment opportunities with important planning considerations, these will be put across the desk of the deputy Prime Minister and the chancellor for favourable consideration.
6. Ministers will also be expecting decision makers to undertake and provide the universal coverage of local plans, and reviews of greenbelt boundaries. These will prioritise brownfield and grey belt land for development to meet housing targets where needed.
7. Reform the planning system to deliver the infrastructure that our country needs, to provide the right amount of housing in the right place. Directions will be given to the Secretaries of State for Transport and Energy Security and Net Zero to prioritise decisions on infrastructure projects that have been sitting unresolved for far too long.
8. The planning system will now place the national interest first and will avoid refusing projects that strengthen the national infrastructure and get Britain building again.

The team at MEP will continue to keep you updated on all the latest policy changes relating to planning reform.

Credit image: Robert Limbrick Ltd.