Planning reforms can save

Planning reforms can save £300m from central government budgets. That’s the view of local government minister, who outlined new proposals recently.

Mr Healey says that the Planning Reform Bill, designed to overhaul the creaking infrastructure of planning, will speed up the time it takes to approve major projects, easing the process and saving money in due course. Controversial plans for an ‘experts commission’ will go ahead, the minister said, despite concerns over accountability and open-ness. Consulting with those likely to be affected by bigger scheme will also be stepped up.

This latter point includes, as well as more work by planners to liaise with, say, residents, more activity on the part of the developer. There will be a tightening up of responsibilities here, to ensure that there is no simple ‘ticking of boxes’. Developers will need to follow up on discussions with the council, the public and other relevant agencies such as the Environment Agency.

Not just relevant for the ‘big boys’ in this sector, the Bill also includes a ‘handing over’ of powers to local councils for smaller projects.