Chambers respond to proposed planning reforms

Responding to the publication of the government’s Planning for the Future white paper and associated consultation, BCC Head of People Policy Jane Gratton said:

“Businesses will welcome efforts to accelerate the planning and development of new homes, business premises and local amenities which will be vital to rebuilding our economy.

“Successive planning revolutions have been promised before, but usually turn out to be false dawns and businesses have continued to struggle with a complex planning regime which causes uncertainty and delay.

“For any planning system to work properly, it needs to be well resourced, transparent, supported by individuals and communities, and based on sound and consistent decisions.Any changes to planning policy and practice must deliver greater certainty and speed of decision making to deliver the right development, in the right places, more quickly.

“As well as delivering more new homes, the system must give access to affordable employment land and premises to support business innovation, expansion, and long-term competitiveness.”