In August, the government published Planning for the Future: a consultation which proposed an overhaul of our country’s outdated planning system to deliver the high-quality, sustainable homes communities need.
The consultation ends at 11.45pm on Thursday 29 October and we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to have their say on these important changes. That means there is one week left for you to provide your views on the proposals. These include:
· Placing community engagement at very beginning of the planning process – harnessing the latest technology through online maps and data to make the whole system more accessible to local people
· Delivering much-needed new homes quickly by ensuring local plans are developed and agreed in 30 months – down from the current 7 years. New local design codes will also ensure developers can get on with building beautiful communities that are in line with local preference and character
· Designating land for ‘protection’, ensuring valued green spaces continue to be passed on to future generations. Development on Green Belt land will continue to be restricted.
You can read the full consultation paper and respond on GOV.UK.
You can also read a short explainer on the proposals.
Separately, we consulted on other proposals to improve the effectiveness of the current planning system. This included changes to the standard method for assessing local housing need and supporting small and medium-sized builders by temporarily lifting the ‘small sites’ threshold. That consultation closed on 1 October.
We will consider the responses we receive to both consultations before announcing the next steps.