James Williams, planning associate at Vail Williams, looks at the Government’s latest planning reforms, announced on March 10.

There is no denying that the planning system has long been criticised for its inefficiencies.

Delays in decision-making, often due to the sheer volume of statutory consultees required to provide input, together with the lack of resources available to process applications, have frustrated developers and councils alike.

In response to the frustrations, the Government has now announced that the scope of those who must be consulted on a planning proposal could be narrowed – keeping the focus on heritage, safety, and environmental protection.

This, the Government argues, will streamline the planning process and help it to deliver on its ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes.

However, planning is about so much more than just numbers.

The planning system exists to balance competing interests to enable the delivery of all aspects of sustainable communities, including housing, amenities and infrastructure.

The proposed removal of organisations such as Sport England, The Theatres Trust, and The Gardens Trust from the statutory consultation process, is one of a number of measures that the Government is currently exploring to catalyse development and the economy.

But it does raise concerns about who will advocate for social and cultural infrastructure in new developments.

Are we at risk of creating communities that are housing-led but lacking in essential amenities? It will require planning officers to have sufficient confidence to negotiate the necessary amenities with applicants based on discussions with colleagues, and may encourage a more collegiate approach to the determination of applications rather than hiding behind consultee responses.

Equally contentious is the reduction in the role of planning committees and elected members.

This latest planning announcement forms part of a number of measures that the Government is exploring to support development and the economy and of course reform is necessary. Few would argue that the current system is perfect. But planning reform needs to be about appropriate balance, not just speed.

While these changes might help the Government as it moves towards its ambitious housing targets, we must ask whether they come at the expense of good placemaking, supported by robust technical assessments, and appropriately balanced decision-making.

As planning consultants, we need to remain vigilant to how these changes evolve — we support efficiency in the system and support developers in the delivery of housing and other infrastructure based not just on quantity, but quality development and placemaking which brings together communities.

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