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
32 Recommendations
1 Conclusion
1 Report
3 Oral sessions
2 Letters
3 Events
Activity timeline 7 events
17 May
2022
Report published
10 Jun
2021
Report published
7 Dec
2020
Oral evidence
23 Nov
2020
Oral evidence
10 Nov
2020
Correspondence
9 Nov
2020
Oral evidence
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 Accepted in Part
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
Government Response
The government agrees on the need for significant engagement and notes past consultations led to revised plans. However, they opted to bring legislation forward without a draft bill or pre-legislative scrutiny, instead committing to engage the Committee on subsequent regulations.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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2 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government explicitly agrees with the recommendation and confirms it will not be pursuing the three area types proposal in the reformed planning system, having listened to feedback.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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3 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
Government Response
The government agrees that the relationship between plans and national policy should be clear, stating the Bill will give local plans more weight and introduce National Development Management Policies. They also mention a new requirement for infrastructure providers to assist local authorities with plan drafting.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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4 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government agrees to clarify the relationship between plans and infrastructure, noting that statutory consultees can comment on individual sites and infrastructure providers will be required to assist local authorities in drafting local plans.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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5 Recommendation Rejected
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
Government Response
The government explicitly rejects extending the 30-month timeframe for Local Plan production, deeming it achievable, but notes local authorities will have flexibility for partial updates and it will provide details on the transition to the new system.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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6 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government agrees, confirming there will be two rounds of community engagement before Local Plans are submitted, an increased minimum consultation duration, and the retention of the 'right to be heard', along with new guidance.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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7 Recommendation Not Addressed
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
The government acknowledges the cost of the existing planning system and cites a £24 billion housing settlement, including £65 million for a new digital system. However, it does not specifically clarify how resource needs for faster Local Plan development will be met or what resources will be applied to local authorities for this purpose.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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8 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government agrees to strengthen the role of neighbourhood planning, clarifying its status by introducing new tools like Neighbourhood Priorities Statements and 'street votes' via the Bill, alongside funding initiatives to increase uptake and empowerment.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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9 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government agrees not to abolish the Duty to Cooperate without a replacement and states the Bill will introduce a new 'alignment policy' in the NPPF, alongside encouraging Spatial Development Strategies and greater use of development corporations for strategic planning.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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10 Recommendation Acknowledged
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
Government Response
The government agrees on the importance of understanding public involvement and notes existing research has informed policy work. They plan to consult on future planning practice guidance, but do not commit to commissioning new research before statistics collection.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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11 Recommendation Accepted
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
The government agrees with the recommendation and commits to retaining the ability for all individuals to comment and influence all individual planning proposals in the reformed system, enhanced by digital reforms.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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12 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government acknowledges the critical role of local councillors and states that they will continue to maintain democratic control and make decisions on planning applications, upholding existing processes rather than setting out a new plan.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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13 Recommendation Accepted
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
The government agrees with the recommendation to retain existing statutory notices alongside digital tools to facilitate broad public engagement in the planning system.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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14 Conclusion Acknowledged
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
The government welcomed the committee's support for a standard method and acknowledged ongoing representations regarding its effectiveness. It stated that the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will require a new National Planning Policy Framework, and it intends to publish a prospectus outlining further policy thinking.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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15 Recommendation Deferred
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
Government Response
The government welcomes support for the standard method, stating that the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will require a new National Planning Policy Framework. They intend to publish an NPPF prospectus outlining further policy thinking.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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16 Recommendation Deferred
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
Government Response
The government welcomes support for a standard method, stating that the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will require a new National Planning Policy Framework. They intend to publish an NPPF prospectus for further policy thinking, deferring specific actions.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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17 Recommendation Acknowledged
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
Government Response
The government reaffirms its ambition to deliver 300,000 homes per year, citing compelling evidence from a 2014 report and general consensus for the target. They highlight recent delivery figures but do not publish a detailed evidential basis or specific plan for achievement by tenure and location.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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18 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for diversification on large sites and support for SMEs, citing existing loan funds. It addresses slow build rates by stating the Bill will introduce stronger tools for local authorities, including Development Commencement Notices and streamlined completion notices that can lead to loss of planning permission if deadlines are missed, but does not adopt the specific time limits or council tax penalty recommended.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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19 Recommendation Acknowledged
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
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for specialist housing and refers to existing NPPF guidance for local authorities, but does not commit to a statutory obligation for identifying sites or creating a new C2R use class. It states it already publishes statistics on affordable housing supply, but does not commit to publishing specific net addition targets by tenure over ten years.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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20 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
Government Response
The government states First Homes are already available at pilot sites and expects them to ramp up over the next few years, partially addressing the timetable. However, while local authorities retain discretion for overall affordable housing need, the policy mandates First Homes account for at least 25% of units, limiting discretion on proportion.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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21 Recommendation Not Addressed
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
Government Response
The government states that new policies will enable local authorities to prioritise brownfield land but does not commit to publishing evidence or explaining why the proportion of new residential addresses on brownfield sites has fallen, as specifically requested.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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22 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government states its reforms already address many of the listed issues, including climate change, environment, regeneration, and levelling up, which are central to their aims. They look forward to further discussion on these through the National Planning Policy Framework.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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23 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
The government has considered previous land value capture recommendations and proposes a new Infrastructure Levy, developed based on consultations, to reform developer contributions and retain Section 106 agreements in limited circumstances.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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24 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government clarifies its intention to reform developer contributions with a new Infrastructure Levy, developed through consultations, while retaining Section 106 agreements in limited circumstances as a means to pay the Levy.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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25 Recommendation Rejected
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
Government Response
The government confirms it has considered the 2017 CIL review but is proceeding with its proposed new Infrastructure Levy, which will be introduced through a phased rollout. The response does not guarantee no reduction in affordable housing, recognise funding limitations, or address Mayoral Infrastructure Levies, thereby rejecting key aspects of the recommendation.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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26 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
The government does not commit to the requested £500 million additional funding for local planning authorities, instead highlighting an existing £65 million investment for digital improvements and proposing to increase planning fees by 25-35% to enhance resourcing.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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27 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government agreed with the recommendation, stating it is actively working with representatives from local government, the private sector, and professional bodies to develop a comprehensive skills strategy for the planning system, aimed at attracting, developing, and retaining professionals.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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28 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government agrees with a broad definition of design and will integrate this through new local design codes, which will be mandated by the Bill and will allow for community engagement at local and site-specific levels.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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29 Recommendation Rejected
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
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation for a national review of the Green Belt, stating it has no such plans and remains committed to protecting and enhancing it as set out in its manifesto and existing National Planning Policy Framework.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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30 Recommendation Accepted
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
The government states that Metropolitan Open Land in the Greater London area already receives the same level of protection as Green Belt under the London Plan, thus addressing the recommendation through existing policy.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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31 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
Government Response
The government agrees to put Historic Environment Records on a statutory basis, with provisions in the Bill. It also states the Bill will align legislative protection for key designated heritage assets, but the response does not explicitly commit to publishing a broad impact assessment of proposed changes on historic buildings and sites.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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32 Recommendation Accepted
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.
Government Response
The government clarifies that the updated NPPF places stronger emphasis on climate change and flood risk, requiring all sources of flood risk, including future risk, to be considered in development, with the Environment Bill further supporting resilience.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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33 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government agrees that environmental impact must be factored into decision-making and confirms that the Bill will introduce a new outcomes-based framework of environmental assessment to replace existing EU systems, ensuring environmental safeguards are maintained or strengthened.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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Government Response AI assessment · 33 of 32 classified
Accepted 15
Accepted in Part 7
Acknowledged 4
Deferred 2
Not Addressed 2
Rejected 3
Total 32 recs + 1 conclusion
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
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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
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