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.
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.
Challenges in the Current Planning System
The current planning system in the UK faces significant challenges, particularly highlighted by an increase in judicial reviews which have jumped from 10% to 60% of projects, causing delays and discouraging investment. This increase stems from a complex discretionary process where developers can spend years on projects only to have them rejected by local councils, leading to a perception that decision-making is overly politicized. Major infrastructure projects like HS2 reflect these challenges, with extensive mitigation measures introduced to placate objections, ultimately inflating project costs without resolving opposition. This has led to a situation where developers and investors are overly cautious, impacting the overall economic growth potential.
Localism and Planning Governance Shift
Since 2010, localism policies have shifted much of the planning responsibility from central government to local authorities, which are often ill-equipped to handle the complex decisions required for infrastructure and housing development. This decentralization has strained local councils, as they face mounting pressure from constituents who oppose development, often driven by vocal community activism. As a result, less than one-third of local councils have successfully implemented comprehensive planning frameworks. Compounding this issue, the lack of coordination among various levels of local government leads to inefficiencies, where overlapping responsibilities hinder strategic planning efforts.
Proposed Reforms and Future Directions
Recent government proposals aim to revitalize the planning system by reintroducing strategic sub-regional planning and increasing housing targets, especially in northern regions, to stimulate growth and improve investor confidence. The approach seeks to bridge gaps created by prior localism policies, encouraging a more unified decision-making process that aligns local needs with national infrastructure goals. Notably, the introduction of new legislation aims to streamline the planning process while addressing environmental considerations more efficiently. However, the success of these reforms hinges on fostering a balance between local community interests and the broader economic growth objectives, requiring constructive dialogue among stakeholders.
David Aaronovitch and guests discuss Labour's plans for planning reform. This week the Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner announced a new National Planning Policy Framework. Will it boost economic growth?
Sir John Armitt, Chairman of the UK's National Infrastructure Commission
Catriona Riddell is an independent planning consultant and commentator who advises on planning policy
Anthony Breach, Associate Director at Centre for Cities
Presenter: David Aaronovitch
Producers: Ben Carter and Kirsteen Knight
Sound engineers: Neil Churchill and Rod Farquhar
Editor: Penny Murphy
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