Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 33
33
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 128
Local authorities lack resources and expertise for effective clean energy planning applications.
Conclusion
Local authorities generally do not have the resources or in-house knowledge to manage the effective determination of the significant number of planning applications required for the rapid growth of clean energy infrastructure.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for sufficient resources in local planning authorities, highlighting past consultations on increasing planning fees and reviewing how to deploy additional support from stamp duty surcharges, in addition to having a dedicated Planning Capacity and Capability.
Paragraph Reference:
128
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Government needs local planning authorities to have sufficient resources to be able to provide a high-quality planning service and timely planning decisions, to support the Government’s priorities for economic growth, infrastructure and housing delivery. As part of the consultation on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, which closed on 24 September, we consulted on proposals to increase planning fees for householder applications and other applications. The consultation also sought views on a proposal for local planning authorities to set their own fees to cover their costs. We have a dedicated Planning Capacity and Capability to support local planning authorities. The Government is currently reviewing how best to deploy additional support made available as a result of our plans to increase the rate of the stamp duty surcharge paid by non-UK residents.