Planning reform must ‘move ahead at pace’

The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for swift action by the Government to reform planning in England, to help stimulate business investment and unlock growth.

In a submission to the consultation on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the BCC is urging ministers to ‘move at pace’ to avoid ‘creating uncertainty and inertia in the system’.

The submission says the planning system in England must ‘underpin the strategic development of our economic infrastructure’.

Jonny Haseldine, Policy Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Getting a planning system that works for business is crucial to driving investment and economic growth.

“We welcome the proposed NPPF changes, and ministers should move quickly to implement them.”

Key points in the submission include:

• Need to boost skills and experience in local planning authorities to deliver the Government’s ambitious plans.

• Need to plan better for business to avoid unintended consequences.

• Further guidance needed on how local authorities will be required to address the need for employment land.

• Ensuring appropriate use of ‘grey belt’ land.

• Businesses say they are prepared to pay a reasonable increase in planning fees if this leads to improvements in the service they receive.

• Ring fencing planning fees to increase resources and improve quality of service.

“Plans for more housing are welcome and will help employers access skilled staff in local communities. However, that must not come at the expense of land for business use. We need clarity on how local authorities will be required to assess the need for employment land, so business can invest.

“The shortage of planning officers is also severely hampering economic growth. We welcome the Government’s commitment to recruit 300 more planners. The BCC is also working with the private sector on a scheme to train and upskill planners.

“Overall, the new framework has the potential to unlock the planning system for businesses and boost economic growth, but time is of the essence.”