Responding to the Government’s proposed planning reforms, Local
Government Association Chairman, Cllr James Jamieson said:
“While we await the details of these planning proposals, it
is vital that any reforms provide the right protections so
residents have the power to shape the area they live in. This
needs to be through a locally-led planning system which enables
councils to deliver resilient, prosperous places that meet the
needs of their communities.
“Any suggestion that planning is a barrier to housebuilding
is a myth. Nine in 10 planning applications are approved by
councils, while more than a million homes given planning
permission in the last decade have not yet been built.
“We all want great communities. The planning system needs
to be able to ensure developments are of a high standard, are
built in the right places, include affordable homes and are
supported by infrastructure that provides enough schools,
promotes greener and more active travel, and tackles climate
change.
“The Government’s own independent report warned of the
worse quality of homes not delivered through the planning system.
We urge the Government to heed these warnings and not further
side-line the planning process.
“The Government needs to give councils the tools, powers
and flexibilities required to plan for and deliver the quality
homes and places communities need. We stand ready to work with
Government to ensure any reforms improve the system.”
