The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has
launched a new inquiry to investigate Government proposals to
reform the planning system.
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 quality development” that reflects “local character
and preferences”.
The Committee’s inquiry will build on their previous report on
land value
capture in 2018. The Climate Assembly jointly commissioned by
the Committee made recommendations on local decision-making and
the planning system. Both of these will feed into this inquiry.
The inquiry will examine how well the proposed reforms would
support the Government’s wider building strategy, including its
target to build 300,000 new homes a year, as well as ensuring
high quality construction that is fit for purpose. It will also
examine how well the new proposals protect existing buildings or
localities, and provide mechanisms for local engagement in the
planning system.
Launching the inquiry, said:
“The planning process has an important role in meeting a number
of challenges that the country currently faces. In finding
solutions to the crisis in housing delivery, ailing high streets
and boosting regional growth the planning system will be key.
“The Government has set out its intention to implement wide
ranging reforms and we must understand the impact these will
have. Are they a successful attempt to reduce red tape and make
it easier for new homes to be built and town centres transformed?
Do they provide local communities an effective avenue to make
their voices heard in setting out how their area will look? Is
the right balance struck between encouraging growth and
protecting our heritage? These are the key questions we will
address as we begin out inquiry.”
Call for evidence
The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee wants to
hear your views. It welcomes submissions from anyone with answers
to the questions in the terms of reference. More information
about how to submit evidence is available here.
The Committee invites evidence on the following issues:
1. Is the current planning system working as it should do? What
changes might need to be made? Are the Government’s proposals the
right approach?
2. In seeking to build 300,000 homes a year, is the greatest
obstacle the planning system or the subsequent build-out of
properties with permission?
3. How can the planning system ensure that buildings are
beautiful and fit for purpose?
4. What approach should be used to determine the housing need and
requirement of a local authority?
5. What is the best approach to ensure public engagement in the
planning system? What role should modern technology and data play
in this?
6. How can the planning system ensure adequate and reasonable
protection for areas and buildings of environmental, historical,
and architectural importance?
7. What changes, if any, are needed to the green belt?
8. What progress has been made since the Committee’s 2018 report
on capturing land value and how might the proposals improve
outcomes? What further steps might also be needed?
