Planning Director, David Brown reflects on Gove’s decision to scrap the radical planning reform from the 2020 Planning white paper. With this about-turn, are there any potential answers to tidy up the system and ease Gove’s housing headache?

Back in 2020, an impressive task force was put together and with endorsement from the Prime Minister it was felt (at the time) that significant change could happen. The Planning for the Future White Paper divided opinion across the Conservative Party, and for many it felt rushed.

Here at Newsteer, we’re not surprised about the change in approach. When the white paper was published, we reflected that the system was clunky, but questioned the need for complete reform? We thought not. For instance, and from a decision-making point of view a complete reform of primary legislation would in effect tear up more than 70 years worth of legal precedent – which would no doubt have wider implications in terms of delivering successful developments.

While we have seen significant changes to the planning system in the last few decades (most notably through the intro of the NPPF back in 2012), each time these ‘reforms’ have been watered down. As it stands none of these changes have fundamentally sped up the delivery of much-needed housing. While the need to revisit the planning process is not in dispute, this announcement will undoubtedly mean that the target of building 300,000 homes a year will not be met. The housing crisis will continue to exist and demand will not be satisfied.

The top-down approach, removing the ability for local groups or residents to influence decision-making in ‘growth’ areas ‘may ’have had certain advantages, however planning should be a democratic and ‘involved’ process – particularly as shaping places should be focused on the community (more so now following the pandemic). Perhaps the reform should now focus more on the decision-making at a local level, setting out clearly what is and what is not objectionable and ensuring that local Council Committee Members are fully informed and undertake compulsory training – something that the planning community has been calling for repeatedly for years.

What next? How can the system be ‘tidied up’?‘

1. Planning in principle’ growth areas could still be a thing. Perhaps in the form of scaled-back outline applications – like the outline applications of old! There would still be a need to engage locally, but this should (if done properly) speed up the delivery of consents and make it a more cost-effective process as only the principle matters would be scrutinised.
2. Greater flexibility in how spaces are used from a design approach. Spaces need to be sustainable and resilient, being able to change with the market. Focus should be on resilience and a design-led approach to place-making.

However what could muddy the water and confuse matters even further is more permitted development rights and further piecemeal changes to secondary legislation. For the ‘technicians’ out there, we would also ask (once more) for a consolidated GPDO!

While we are all still navigating the planning system, we can’t lose momentum on projects while waiting for change. Informing policy is now more important than ever and we strongly encourage early dialogue with your advisers.

Newsteer has a long and successful track record in navigating the planning system on behalf of our clients. Get in touch to discuss what these changes mean for your development.

Contact:

David Brown
Director
07791 974 808
David.Brown@Newsteer.co.uk