Planning for the Future – Chamber response to government consultation

In August the Government launched its ‘Planning for the Future’ white paper as it consults on proposed reform the country’s planning system. In the Government’s own words, the Planning for the future consultation, which closed at the end of October, ‘Proposes reforms of the planning system to streamline and modernise the planning process, bring a new focus to design and sustainability, improve the system of developer contributions to infrastructure, and ensure more land is available for development where it is needed.’

Speaking about the response Amanda Beresford, Leeds Chamber of Commerce President and Planning Partner at Schofield Sweeney, said, “The Chamber’s Planning Group, in consultation with the British Chambers of Commerce National Planning Experts Panel, have submitted our response to the Governments consultation on its White Paper – ‘Planning for the Future’.

“The White Paper proposes radical changes to the planning system which if enacted could have significant implications for the Region and its businesses. Whilst our consultation response welcomes the Government’s aspiration to produce a planning system ‘that is simpler, clearer and quicker to navigate’, we have recommended that in developing the proposals the Government should ensure that the provision of land for employment is given the same priority as land for housing.

Planning is a vital component for any functioning economy and the Chamber remains committed to ensuring we have a system which balances the needs for development of employment sites, infrastructure and housing.

The full consultation response can be accessed here