The wide-ranging White Paper has four key pillars:
- a better, quicker system to decide major infrastructure projects with enhanced community engagement and an improved level of expertise
- simplifying the local planning system for householders to make it far easier to make home improvements like extensions and conservatories, where there is little or no impact on neighbours
- planning playing a bigger role in tackling climate change
- ensuring the planning system continues to support vibrant town centres
The Government also pledged a new commitment to protect the green belt. The White Paper makes clear previously developed brown field land must remain the clear priority for housing development with our parks and green spaces protected.
The simplifying of the local planning system for householders will allow councils to focus on strategic priorities such as more homes for future generations and tackling climate change.
Ruth Kelly said;
"It is 60 years since the Attlee Government introduced the Town and Country Planning Act - the system has created thriving towns and protected our green spaces.
“But today we face challenges that the Attlee Government could never have foreseen - the need to cut emissions from climate change, or the need to support high-quality jobs and build more homes.
“If we are to thrive, we need a better system for taking the difficult decisions. If we do not the risks are significant - energy shortages, mounting congestion and increasing pollution.”
She added;
“There are parts of the current system which can be costly, confusing and inaccessible for local people.
“We need a simpler system that is quicker but which locks in community consultation at every stage of the process.
“We must meet the challenges of low-carbon living, protect the vitality of our town centres and improve how we consult local people. We must also build the infrastructure we need to support our communities and ensure high quality jobs and international competitiveness.
“Nobody will agree with every planning decision but our reforms will make the system better focussed, fairer, faster and more accessible for all. They will support our goal of improving the places where we live, work, visit, and enjoy.”
For further information go the Communities and Local Government website to download the White Paper.
