On 17th July 2024, the King’s Speech outlined a transformative vision for the future of planning and economic growth in the UK. As we await further details, key take aways from the speech, whereby planning is high on the agenda, are summarised below:
- Planning and Infrastructure Bill: which includes key planning reforms to speed up the process and get housing and infrastructure delivered.
- English Devolution Bill: establishing a new framework for devolution, giving local leaders the tools they need to drive growth (i.e. giving new powers to metro mayors regarding local transport networks). New powers and duties for local leaders to introduce Local Growth Plans.
Both of the above Bills seek significant changes to streamline the planning process, empower local leaders and accelerate housing and infrastructure delivery. The planning system needs clarity for all so that much needed housing and infrastructure can be delivered whilst addressing the social, economic and environmental objectives of sustainable development, as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (‘NPPF’). We are yet to understand how the Government are going to accelerate house building in England and how Councils will have to meet the housing targets. At STAT Planning we welcome the reforms and are looking forward to more detail emerging in the coming weeks.
