Planning for the Future – Chamber response to government consultation

In August the Government launched its ‘Planning for the Future’ white paper as it consults on proposed reform the country’s planning system. In the Government’s own words, the Planning for the future consultation, which closed at the end of October, ‘Proposes reforms of the planning system to streamline and modernise the planning process, bring a new focus to design and sustainability, improve the system of developer contributions to infrastructure, and ensure more land is available for development where it is needed.’

Speaking about the response Amanda Beresford, Leeds Chamber of Commerce President and Planning Partner at Schofield Sweeney, said, “The Chamber’s Planning Group, in consultation with the British Chambers of Commerce National Planning Experts Panel, have submitted our response to the Governments consultation on its White Paper – ‘Planning for the Future’.

“The White Paper proposes radical changes to the planning system which if enacted could have significant implications for the Region and its businesses. Whilst our consultation response welcomes the Government’s aspiration to produce a planning system ‘that is simpler, clearer and quicker to navigate’, we have recommended that in developing the proposals the Government should ensure that the provision of land for employment is given the same priority as land for housing.

“In addition we have said that the levelling up agenda is given priority especially in terms of housing, of any infrastructure levy and the joining up of policies across the Northern Powerhouse region. Lastly we have said that Local Planning Authorities need to be sufficiently resourced to enable them meet the demands of any new system.”

Planning is a vital component for any functioning economy and the Chamber remains committed to ensuring we have a system which balances the needs for development of employment sites, infrastructure and housing.

The full consultation response can be accessed here

 

Related content

Interest rate rise risks doing more harm than good

By Chamber Marketing | 5 May 2022

Chamber head involved in UK/US trade dialogues

By Chamber Marketing | 25 April 2022

York business group looks down the road at obstacles

By Chamber Marketing | 12 April 2022

UK economic growth loses momentum

By Chamber Marketing | 11 April 2022

Trends still point to lack of sustained boost to exports

By Chamber Marketing | 11 April 2022

Energy strategy – business needs support now

By Chamber Marketing | 8 April 2022