Issue details

1. The White Paper proposes the most radical and significant reforms to the existing planning system in over 70 years. The principal aim of the reforms is to provide more homes by introducing measures to simplify and speed up the planning process.

2. The measures proposed in the White Paper will take some time to implement. Therefore interim measures to modify aspects of the current planning system are proposed in the consultation on Changes to the current planning system whilst pending implementation of reforms proposed in the White Paper.

3. Both the plan making and development management processes would be significantly reformed. The reforms are largely based on the premise that the planning system is largely at fault in the failure to provide Government led targets on the provision of new homes. Proposed reforms include:

·     Introduction of 3 new categorisations of land – Growth, Renewal and Protected

·     Extension of the Planning in Principle (PiP) to major developments

·     Creating a fast track system for “beautiful buildings” by greater use of design codes

·     Sanctions against local planning authorities for failure to determine planning applications within time limits and where appeals are lost

·     Tighter timescales for delivery of Local Plans (30 months)

·     Replacement of the current s106 planning obligations and CIL with a new nationally set Infrastructure Charge to fund delivery of infrastructure and affordable homes. Also to change point of payment from grant of permission to point of occupation.

·     Greater use of digital technology for sharing of information and community engagement.