Date Published 11 May 2021
The government will lay out its legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session this morning in the Queen's Speech which is widely expected to include a new planning bill.
The current planning system has hardly been touched since 1947, but the government now plans to replace it through the Planning Bill with reforms that have been brought forward.
The aim is to simplify planning for housing, making sure that homes and infrastructure can be delivered more quickly across England.
It comes as the government aims to create 300,000 new homes annually - more than the 192,725 homes being built currently.
1. Cut the planning system red tape
The Planning Bill aims to significantly cut the time it takes for developments to go through the planning system.
2. Move to a digital service
The changes also include a move from a document-based planning system to a digital and map-based service.
3. Change local plans
The government also aims to change local plans so they provide more certainty over the type and design of development permitted.
4. New frameworks for funding infrastructure
The bill is also set to create new frameworks for funding infrastructure, while at the same time assessing environmental impacts.
Yes, we need more homes. But the bill must set out a framework that will deliver much more than that.
It has to transform housing standards and give local people real democratic control over their future.
Naturally, proper judgement must be reserved until the Bill is officially put forward and then duly debated.
However, it is a move that could light the touch paper for the construction and housing sectors, spurring on a huge amount of investment in the real estate industry in the years ahead.
And crucially, the end result ought to be many, many more affordable properties for would-be homebuyers.
