The Briefing Room
Can planning reform really boost economic growth?
Aug 1, 2024
Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary, reveals her vision for a new National Planning Policy Framework aimed at boosting economic growth. Sir John Armitt, chair of the UK’s National Infrastructure Commission, shares insights on planning complexities and infrastructure challenges. Catriona Riddell discusses the shift of planning responsibilities to local authorities and its ensuing complications. Anthony Breach critiques recent reform proposals, highlighting misconceptions about planning as a barrier to development, while emphasizing the need for streamlined approaches to housing and infrastructure.
28:44
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Quick takeaways
- The UK planning system has evolved dramatically since 1947, shifting control from landowners to local councils, affecting urban development.
- Proposed reforms aim to streamline the planning process and enhance collaboration between local councils and national goals to stimulate economic growth.
Deep dives
Historical Context of UK Planning
The planning system in the UK underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of the Town and Country Planning Act in 1947, shifting from a discretionary model to one where local councils gained more control over development approvals. This change marked a departure from previous practices where landowners had more autonomy in deciding land use. The establishment of green belts in the 1950s and the introduction of regional planning in the 1960s aimed to guide urban growth and manage sprawl, thereby influencing how cities developed over the following decades. However, over time, more regulations and restrictions emerged, complicating the planning landscape and inhibiting development projects across various urban areas.
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