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
3 results
Clear
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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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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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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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
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