Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 59
59
Shortage of planning professionals undermines local authorities' effective planning system functioning.
Conclusion
The shortage of planning professionals in local authorities is undermining the planning system’s ability to function effectively. Planning officers are unable to thoroughly consider applications within statutory timeframes and are unable to adequately pre-consult. This capacity gap compromises the quality, transparency and timeliness of planning decisions. This is problematic, as Natural England has gaps in its own expertise and relies on knowledge from local authorities. (Conclusion, Paragraph 202)
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 13 March 2026. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗