Planning a new city – concept image with hand drawing an imaginary cadastral map of territory with buildings, fields and roads against a green area

HARRIS LAMB RESPONDS TO THE BIGGEST PROPOSED REFORM TO THE PLANNING SYSTEM IN A DECADE

A whirlwind month has passed since Labour came to power and the Government has wasted no time in proposing a major reform to the planning system.

Harris Lamb’s Planning team have been reviewing and digesting the draft National Planning Policy Framework and all other consultation documents issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to fully understand the potential impacts and benefits the changes present to clients.

Simon Hawley, Head of Planning, said: “The Government’s announcements this week have signalled the biggest reform to the planning system in more than 10 years. We are very encouraged by this, and we are working with clients to explain the proposed changes and to help them identify new opportunities for growth. 

“The consultation documents cover a diverse range of topics, including:

  • a re-introduction of spatial planning
  • large increases in housing numbers
  • mandatory five-year housing land supply
  • reviews of Green Belt land
  • the new Grey Belt 
  • a focus on renewable and low carbon energy generation
  • onshore wind and solar projects.

“There is huge scope for our spectrum of clients, and we are well-poised to assist with driving such schemes forward especially following the appointments of our new Director of Planning, Jolande Bowater, and this week, our Director of Residential Land, Ken Phillips.  Given the extent of the changes on the horizon, these two appointments could not have come at a better time for us to be able to hit the ground running.

“As a team, we are committed to forging stronger links with our clients with the support of our Residential, Commercial and Ecology colleagues to provide a comprehensive end-to-end service and help to play our part in the Government’s ambition to ‘turbocharge’ the building of houses and infrastructure.

For further information and guidance on the latest proposals to the system and NPPF and how to respond to the consultation, contact jolande.bowater@harrislamb.com, simon.hawley@harrislamb.com or sam.silcocks@harrislamb.com. 

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