The future of the planning system in England

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 8 Oct 2020 Closed: 17 May 2022 Parliament page
In a White Paper, the Government has set out significant changes to streamline the planning system. Proposals include simplified designations for land usage, including automatic permission in principle for development in some areas, greater use of digital technology in the planning process and a National Design Guide to ensure “high … Read more
26 Recommendations
7 Conclusions
1 Report
3 Oral sessions
2 Letters
3 Events
Activity timeline 10 events
17 May
2022
Report published
10 Jun
2021
Report published
7 Dec
2020
Oral evidence
7 Dec
2020
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
23 Nov
2020
Oral evidence
23 Nov
2020
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 5, Palace of Westminster
10 Nov
2020
Correspondence
9 Nov
2020
Oral evidence
9 Nov
2020
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 5, Palace of Westminster
8 Oct
2020
Correspondence
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
7 Dec 2020
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Oral evidence
Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Simon Gallagher · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
23 Nov 2020
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Oral evidence
Claire Dutch · Ashurst LLP Ingrid Samuel · National Trust Nigel Wilson · Homes for the North Paula Hewitt · ADEPT Philip Waddy · Royal Institute of British Architects Richard Blyth · Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Steve Quartermain Tony Mulhall · The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
9 Nov 2020
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Oral evidence
Andrew Longley · North Northamptonshire Joint Planning and Delivery Unit Brian Berry · Federation of Master Builders Kate Henderson · National Housing Federation Lisa Fairmaner · Greater London Authority Philip Barnes · Barratt Developments
Title HC No. Published Items Response
First Report - The future of the planning system in England HC 38 10 Jun 2021 33 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
33 results
1 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
We are concerned about the lack of detail in respect of the proposed reforms to...
We are concerned about the lack of detail in respect of the proposed reforms to the planning system, which has made it very difficult to assess the possible practical implications of many of the reforms. The Government should consult on … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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2 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
The lack of details about the three areas approach has made it difficult to assess...
The lack of details about the three areas approach has made it difficult to assess how it would function. Our evidence has suggested there are problems with the three areas proposal. These have included its potential unsuitability in urban areas; … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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3 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
If after reconsideration the Government does continue with the three areas approach, we recommend that...
If after reconsideration the Government does continue with the three areas approach, we recommend that as a minimum: • The Government should clearly explain how Local Plans will impose requirements on developments in an area. At present it appears to … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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4 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
We were concerned to hear from organisations related to electricity, nuclear and water infrastructure about...
We were concerned to hear from organisations related to electricity, nuclear and water infrastructure about the challenges posed by the Government’s proposed reforms. The Government should explain how it sees vital infrastructure being affected by its proposals. This should include … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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5 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
We welcome the Government’s proposal that having an up to date Local Plan should be...
We welcome the Government’s proposal that having an up to date Local Plan should be a statutory requirement on local authorities. We also welcome the proposal that Local Plans should be more focused and shorter. But we do not agree … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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6 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
We sympathise with the Government’s wish to enhance the importance of Local Plans in determining...
We sympathise with the Government’s wish to enhance the importance of Local Plans in determining where development should take place. But achieving public acceptance of any increased importance for Local Plans requires them have credibility as an accurate reflection of … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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7 Conclusion
First Report - The future of the p…
Increasing the speed at which Local Plans are developed and updating them will be resource...
Increasing the speed at which Local Plans are developed and updating them will be resource hungry. The Government needs to clarify how such needs can be met and what resources will be applied to local authorities to enable them to … Read more
Government Response
53. The cost to local authorities of administering the existing planning system in England i s estimated to be £1 billion. The 2021 Spending Review demonstrates the Government’s commitment to … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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8 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
We recognise the value of neighbourhood plans.
We recognise the value of neighbourhood plans. They should have a significant role in the development of new Local Plans. To be effective they need to be up- to-date and representative of the whole community and a clear part of … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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9 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
The duty to cooperate between local authorities has operated imperfectly.
The duty to cooperate between local authorities has operated imperfectly. However, we heard strong agreement there needed to be more cooperation between local authorities and that sub-national planning was a weakness of the current system. The Government should only abolish … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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10 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
The Government must commission research about the extent of public involvement in the planning system.
The Government must commission research about the extent of public involvement in the planning system. This should precede the collection from local authorities and publishing of statistics about public involvement in Local Plans and in individual 102 The future of … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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11 Conclusion
First Report - The future of the p…
We support enhancing public involvement with Local Plans.
We support enhancing public involvement with Local Plans. However, figures cited by the Minister suggest that far more people are involved at the point when individual planning applications are considered than at the local plan stage, and this was backed … Read more
Government Response
26. The Government agrees with the Committee’s support for ensuring individuals can comment on all individual planning proposals. We will retain this ability in the reformed system. 27. Digital reforms … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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12 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
It is disappointing that local councillors were not mentioned in the White Paper.
It is disappointing that local councillors were not mentioned in the White Paper. They have a key role to play in both Local Plans and individual planning applications We recommend that the Government set out how the valuable role of … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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13 Conclusion
First Report - The future of the p…
We welcome the greater use of digital technology in the planning system.
We welcome the greater use of digital technology in the planning system. But we recognise the need to ensure those lacking access can know about and participate in the planning process. The Minister suggested that the existing statutory notices on … Read more
Government Response
31. The Government recognises the importance of having a range of mechanisms in place to facilitate engagement with all users of the planning system and agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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14 Conclusion
First Report - The future of the p…
We support the principle of using a standard method that applies across the country.
We support the principle of using a standard method that applies across the country. We recognise there has been criticism of the current standard method for not promoting levelling up by reducing the targets for future homes below the numbers … Read more
Government Response
34. The Government welcomes the Committee’s support for the principle of using a standard method (established in planning policy and guidance) that applies across England. The changes in the Levelling … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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15 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
We think the Government’s abandonment of its proposed formula for determining housing need is the...
We think the Government’s abandonment of its proposed formula for determining housing need is the correct decision. There remains a need for additional information about how the Government’s revised approach, announced in December 2020, might work in practice. This is … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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16 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
In addition: • We broadly agree with the Government’s general approach of using workplace- based...
In addition: • We broadly agree with the Government’s general approach of using workplace- based earnings. But for specific local authorities the Government should consider using residence-based earnings to ensure the housing targets accurately reflect local circumstances. The Government should … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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17 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
We echo the Public Accounts Committee’s calls for greater clarity on how the Government will...
We echo the Public Accounts Committee’s calls for greater clarity on how the Government will deliver its ambition for 300,000 housing units a year, and why this target was chosen. Our previous reports have endorsed the need for additional social … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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18 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
It is our view is that the pace of completing planning permissions is too slow,...
It is our view is that the pace of completing planning permissions is too slow, and that carrots and sticks are needed to quicken the pace. The Government should produce a strategy for increasing the extent of multi-tenure construction on … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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19 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
We support ensuring that the additional housing being built includes affordable and social housing.
We support ensuring that the additional housing being built includes affordable and social housing. There should also be support and encouragement for local authorities to deliver specialist housing, particularly for elderly and people with disabilities. The Government should create a … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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20 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
We heard concerns about the Government’s First Homes programme, especially its potential impact on the...
We heard concerns about the Government’s First Homes programme, especially its potential impact on the provision of other forms of affordable housing. First Homes has an important part to play in delivering homeownership, and we hope that the Government has … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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21 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
We welcome the additional funding for brownfield sites outlined in the Comprehensive Spending Review.
We welcome the additional funding for brownfield sites outlined in the Comprehensive Spending Review. In our engagement activities with the public it was clear there was support for prioritising brownfield locations and unhappiness at the perception this was not taking … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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22 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
We agree that the Government’s proposals omitted important issues that should be considered in any...
We agree that the Government’s proposals omitted important issues that should be considered in any changes to the planning system. This was particularly true of the lack of consideration of non-housing issues. Different aspects of the planning system cannot be … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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23 Conclusion
First Report - The future of the p…
We were disappointed that very little progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of...
We were disappointed that very little progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of our predecessor committee’s report into land value capture. The Government’s response to our social housing report did not engage with our renewed recommendations about reforming … Read more
Government Response
51. The Government has considered the recommendations in the predecessor Land Value Capture report and the 2017 review of the Community Infrastructure Levy alongside the responses to the white paper. … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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24 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
The Government must clarify how it will replicate the binding nature of Section 106 agreements...
The Government must clarify how it will replicate the binding nature of Section 106 agreements and which parts of the approach will be retained. If they cannot be easily replicated, especially without creating additional complexity, then we recommend retaining Section … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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25 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
There is a case for reforming the Community Infrastructure Levy, but it is less clear...
There is a case for reforming the Community Infrastructure Levy, but it is less clear that Section 106 agreements needed replacing. The Government should be mindful of the cumulative effect of the challenges posed to affordable housing provision by the … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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26 Conclusion
First Report - The future of the p…
There is a clear need for additional resources for local planning authorities and this was...
There is a clear need for additional resources for local planning authorities and this was reflected in evidence from a wide range of sectors. The reduction in their funding is slowing down the workings of the planning system. The Government’s … Read more
Government Response
53. The cost to local authorities of administering the existing planning system in England is estimated to be £1 billion. The 2021 Spending Review demonstrates the Government’s commitment to investing … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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27 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
The Government’s reforms require an increase in planning staff, especially those with specific specialist skills,...
The Government’s reforms require an increase in planning staff, especially those with specific specialist skills, such as design. These skills gaps will need to be filled if the planning system is to be improved. The Government must undertake and publish … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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28 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
The Government’s focus on beauty, whilst laudable, must not detract from other important aspects of...
The Government’s focus on beauty, whilst laudable, must not detract from other important aspects of design. The Government must ensure that its national design code, advice for local authorities about local design codes, and other aspects of design The future … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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29 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
We agree with evidence that called for the protection of the green spaces in the...
We agree with evidence that called for the protection of the green spaces in the Green Belt; whilst also recognising that not all Green Belt land are green spaces. A review should examine the purpose of the Green Belt, including … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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30 Conclusion
First Report - The future of the p…
Given the demands for additional housing in urban areas, and the lessons of the COVID-19...
Given the demands for additional housing in urban areas, and the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic about the importance of green spaces for people dwelling in cities and large towns, it is concerning that the Government White Paper did not … Read more
Government Response
59. The Government has no plans for a national review of the Green Belt. The Government remains committed to protecting and enhancing the Green Belt, as set out in its … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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31 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
There is a case for improving our knowledge of where there are possible historical sites...
There is a case for improving our knowledge of where there are possible historical sites and for further protections for specific sites and currently undesignated locations. The Historic Environment Records dataset should be put on a statutory basis. The Government … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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32 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
The Government should clarify how it intends to define flood risk in the planning system.
The Government should clarify how it intends to define flood risk in the planning system. This includes clarifying how this will take account of the possible impact of climate change and how it fits within wider flooding policy.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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33 Recommendation
First Report - The future of the p…
The planning system should pay greater attention to the importance of green spaces and to...
The planning system should pay greater attention to the importance of green spaces and to wildlife near to people’s residences. The Government should reconsider the 108 The future of the planning system in England retention of sustainability assessments and ensure … Read more
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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Correspondence 2 letters
10 Nov 2020 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State to the Chair dated 3 October concerning the launch of the inquiry into the Future of the Planning System in England
Parliament page
8 Oct 2020 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Secretary of State dated 8 October 2020 concerning the launch of the Committee's inquiry into the future of the planning system in England
Parliament page