Recommendations & Conclusions
33 items
1
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
We are concerned about the lack of detail in respect of the proposed reforms to the planning system, which has made it very difficult to assess the possible practical implications of many of the reforms. The Government should consult on the details of proposed reforms to prevent unintended consequences and …
Government response. 6. The Government agrees with the Committee’s view that the complexity of issues in planning require significant engagement with stakeholders in Parliament and beyond. For this reason, the Government has conducted significant engagement with a broad range of stakeholders including …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
2
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
The lack of details about the three areas approach has made it difficult to assess how it would function. Our evidence has suggested there are problems with the three areas proposal. These have included its potential unsuitability in urban areas; doubts over whether Local Plans will have the level of …
Government response. 8. The Government agrees with the recommendation of the Committee and will not be pursuing three area types in the reformed planning system. The Government have listened carefully to feedback from the consultation, sector stakeholders, the public and other interested …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
3
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
If after reconsideration the Government does continue with the three areas approach, we recommend that as a minimum: • The Government should clearly explain how Local Plans will impose requirements on developments in an area. At present it appears to be proposing the current planning application system will continue to …
Government response. 9. The Government agrees with the Committee that the relationship between plans, national policy and the requirements placed on new development should be made clear. One way the Bill does this, and strengthens democracy as a result, is through giving …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
4
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
We were concerned to hear from organisations related to electricity, nuclear and water infrastructure about the challenges posed by the Government’s proposed reforms. The Government should explain how it sees vital infrastructure being affected by its proposals. This should include whether there would be special designations for such infrastructure and …
Government response. 9. The Government agrees with the Committee that the relationship between plans, national policy and the requirements placed on new development should be made clear. One way the Bill does this, and strengthens democracy as a result, is through giving …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
5
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
We welcome the Government’s proposal that having an up to date Local Plan should be a statutory requirement on local authorities. We also welcome the proposal that Local Plans should be more focused and shorter. But we do not agree that the 30-month timeframe proposed for the development of Local …
Government response. 12. The Government does not accept the recommendation to extend the 30 month timeframe to produce new Local Plans. Currently only 41% of England‘s local authorities have a local plan that was adopted in the last five years; meaning there …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
6
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
We sympathise with the Government’s wish to enhance the importance of Local Plans in determining where development should take place. But achieving public acceptance of any increased importance for Local Plans requires them have credibility as an accurate reflection of public views in an area. Therefore, we were concerned by …
Government response. 16. The Government agrees with these recommendations and confirms that as part of the statutory 30-month timetable for plan-making, there will be requirements for two rounds of community engagement and consultation before local plans are submitted for independent examination. The …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
7
Conclusion
First Report - The future of the planni…
Increasing the speed at which Local Plans are developed and updating them will be resource hungry. The Government needs to clarify how such needs can be met and what resources will be applied to local authorities to enable them to achieve these ambitious timescales.
Government response. 53. The cost to local authorities of administering the existing planning system in England i s estimated to be £1 billion. The 2021 Spending Review demonstrates the Government’s commitment to investing in safe and affordable housing by confirming a settlement …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
8
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
We recognise the value of neighbourhood plans. They should have a significant role in the development of new Local Plans. To be effective they need to be up- to-date and representative of the whole community and a clear part of the new framework. Local authorities and existing neighbourhood forums need …
Government response. 19. The Government agrees with this recommendation. It recognises the value of N eighbourhood Plans and will strengthen the role of neighbourhood planning, giving local communities better opportunities to influence future development in their area. The Government is keen to …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
9
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
The duty to cooperate between local authorities has operated imperfectly. However, we heard strong agreement there needed to be more cooperation between local authorities and that sub-national planning was a weakness of the current system. The Government should only abolish the duty to cooperate when more effective mechanisms have been …
Government response. 22. The Government agrees with the Committee that the Duty to Cooperate should not be a bolished without a clear understanding of how it will be replaced with a new mechanism to ensure cross-boundary cooperation. The Bill does abolish the …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
10
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
The Government must commission research about the extent of public involvement in the planning system. This should precede the collection from local authorities and publishing of statistics about public involvement in Local Plans and in individual 102 The future of the planning system in England planning applications. Such research would …
Government response. 25. The Government believes that engagement with communities and neighbourhoods is a central pillar of an effective planning system. The Government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation on the importance of understanding the extent of public involvement in the planning system. …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
11
Conclusion
First Report - The future of the planni…
We support enhancing public involvement with Local Plans. However, figures cited by the Minister suggest that far more people are involved at the point when individual planning applications are considered than at the local plan stage, and this was backed up by the evidence we have received. We also fear …
Government response. 26. The Government agrees with the Committee’s support for ensuring individuals can comment on all individual planning proposals. We will retain this ability in the reformed system. 27. Digital reforms will make it easier for people to be aware of …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
12
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
It is disappointing that local councillors were not mentioned in the White Paper. They have a key role to play in both Local Plans and individual planning applications We recommend that the Government set out how the valuable role of local councillors will be maintained in the planning system.
Government response. 29. The Government recognises the critical role that local councillors and leaders play in meeting communities’ needs. Local Authorities and democratically elected councillors will maintain democratic control and provide transparency, while also upholding the integrity of planning decisions. 30. Local …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
13
Conclusion
First Report - The future of the planni…
We welcome the greater use of digital technology in the planning system. But we recognise the need to ensure those lacking access can know about and participate in the planning process. The Minister suggested that the existing statutory notices on local newspapers and on lampposts would become a matter of …
Government response. 31. The Government recognises the importance of having a range of mechanisms in place to facilitate engagement with all users of the planning system and agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. The Government wants to encourage greater engagement in the planning …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
14
Conclusion
First Report - The future of the planni…
We support the principle of using a standard method that applies across the country. We recognise there has been criticism of the current standard method for not promoting levelling up by reducing the targets for future homes below the numbers currently being delivered. It also does not directly consider brownfield …
Government response. 34. The Government welcomes the Committee’s support for the principle of using a standard method (established in planning policy and guidance) that applies across England. The changes in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will require a new National Planning …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
15
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
We think the Government’s abandonment of its proposed formula for determining housing need is the correct decision. There remains a need for additional information about how the Government’s revised approach, announced in December 2020, might work in practice. This is especially important given the proposed urban uplift for 20 urban …
Government response. 34. The Government welcomes the Committee’s support for the principle of using a standard method (established in planning policy and guidance) that applies across England. The changes in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will require a new National Planning …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
16
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
In addition: • We broadly agree with the Government’s general approach of using workplace- based earnings. But for specific local authorities the Government should consider using residence-based earnings to ensure the housing targets accurately reflect local circumstances. The Government should also publish what the housing targets would be using each …
Government response. 34. The Government welcomes the Committee’s support for the principle of using a standard method (established in planning policy and guidance) that applies across England. The changes in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will require a new National Planning …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
17
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
We echo the Public Accounts Committee’s calls for greater clarity on how the Government will deliver its ambition for 300,000 housing units a year, and why this target was chosen. Our previous reports have endorsed the need for additional social and specialist housing. But the scepticism voiced by some about …
Government response. 35. The Government is determined to create a market that builds the homes this country needs. Our ambition is to deliver 300,000 homes per year on average and create a market that will sustain delivery at this level. There is …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
18
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
It is our view is that the pace of completing planning permissions is too slow, and that carrots and sticks are needed to quicken the pace. The Government should produce a strategy for increasing the extent of multi-tenure construction on large sites in line with the Letwin Review’s recommendations. It …
Government response. 37. The Government acknowledges the conclusions of the Letwin Review and agrees that increasing diversification on very large sites is important to support the rate of build out. The Government is committed to ensuring SMEs have the right support in …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
19
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
We support ensuring that the additional housing being built includes affordable and social housing. There should also be support and encouragement for local authorities to deliver specialist housing, particularly for elderly and people with disabilities. The Government should create a C2R class for retirement communities to ensure clarity in the …
Government response. 42. The Government acknowledges our planning system needs to help ensure that we build the right type of housing for the right people. Our National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that local authorities should assess the size, type and tenure …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
20
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
We heard concerns about the Government’s First Homes programme, especially its potential impact on the provision of other forms of affordable housing. First Homes has an important part to play in delivering homeownership, and we hope that the Government has learnt the lessons of the failure of the Starter Homes …
Government response. 46. First Homes are an important part of our plans to make home ownership more widely available and affordable for local people and key workers. The Government has already changed national planning policy and issued guidance to secure First Homes …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
21
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
We welcome the additional funding for brownfield sites outlined in the Comprehensive Spending Review. In our engagement activities with the public it was clear there was support for prioritising brownfield locations and unhappiness at the perception this was not taking place. This in turn nurtured wider hostility to the 300,000-housing …
Government response. 49. Alongside responding to the needs of communities for housing and other uses, Government policy that follows the Bill, along with policies and funds already in place, will allow authorities to prioritize re-using brownfield land as much as possible. As …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
22
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
We agree that the Government’s proposals omitted important issues that should be considered in any changes to the planning system. This was particularly true of the lack of consideration of non-housing issues. Different aspects of the planning system cannot be compartmentalised in this way. Housing cannot be treated in isolation …
Government response. 50. The Government thanks the Committee for its recommendations. The subjects it raises are central to achieving our aims for levelling up. The government’s reforms address the issues of climate change, sustainability, the environment, delivery of commercial and industrial property …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
23
Conclusion
First Report - The future of the planni…
We were disappointed that very little progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of our predecessor committee’s report into land value capture. The Government’s response to our social housing report did not engage with our renewed recommendations about reforming the Land Compensation Act 1961, and the promised consultation in …
Government response. 51. The Government has considered the recommendations in the predecessor Land Value Capture report and the 2017 review of the Community Infrastructure Levy alongside the responses to the white paper. The proposal for a new Infrastructure Levy, which we have …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
24
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
The Government must clarify how it will replicate the binding nature of Section 106 agreements and which parts of the approach will be retained. If they cannot be easily replicated, especially without creating additional complexity, then we recommend retaining Section 106 agreements. (Paragraph 161) 106 The future of the planning …
Government response. 51. The Government has considered the recommendations in the predecessor Land Value Capture report and the 2017 review of the Community Infrastructure Levy alongside the responses to the white paper. The proposal for a new Infrastructure Levy, which we have …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
25
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
There is a case for reforming the Community Infrastructure Levy, but it is less clear that Section 106 agreements needed replacing. The Government should be mindful of the cumulative effect of the challenges posed to affordable housing provision by the proposed abolition of Section 106, the raising of the threshold …
Government response. 51. The Government has considered the recommendations in the predecessor Land Value Capture report and the 2017 review of the Community Infrastructure Levy alongside the responses to the white paper. The proposal for a new Infrastructure Levy, which we have …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
26
Conclusion
First Report - The future of the planni…
There is a clear need for additional resources for local planning authorities and this was reflected in evidence from a wide range of sectors. The reduction in their funding is slowing down the workings of the planning system. The Government’s proposed reforms will require additional specialist skills, for example in …
Government response. 53. The cost to local authorities of administering the existing planning system in England is estimated to be £1 billion. The 2021 Spending Review demonstrates the Government’s commitment to investing in safe and affordable housing by confirming a settlement of …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
27
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
The Government’s reforms require an increase in planning staff, especially those with specific specialist skills, such as design. These skills gaps will need to be filled if the planning system is to be improved. The Government must undertake and publish a resources and skills strategy in advance of primarily legislation, …
Government response. 53. The cost to local authorities of administering the existing planning system in England is estimated to be £1 billion. The 2021 Spending Review demonstrates the Government’s commitment to investing in safe and affordable housing by confirming a settlement of …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
28
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
The Government’s focus on beauty, whilst laudable, must not detract from other important aspects of design. The Government must ensure that its national design code, advice for local authorities about local design codes, and other aspects of design The future of the planning system in England 107 policy reflect the …
Government response. 57. The Government agrees that design in the planning system has a broad meaning. The National Planning Policy Framework explains that good design is a key aspect of sustainable development, and that the planning system should seek to achieve the …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
29
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
We agree with evidence that called for the protection of the green spaces in the Green Belt; whilst also recognising that not all Green Belt land are green spaces. A review should examine the purpose of the Green Belt, including whether it continues to serve that purpose, how the public …
Government response. 59. The Government has no plans for a national review of the Green Belt. The Government remains committed to protecting and enhancing the Green Belt, as set out in its manifesto. The National Planning Policy Framework includes clear protections for …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
30
Conclusion
First Report - The future of the planni…
Given the demands for additional housing in urban areas, and the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic about the importance of green spaces for people dwelling in cities and large towns, it is concerning that the Government White Paper did not confirm the same protections for Metropolitan Open Land as for …
Government response. 59. The Government has no plans for a national review of the Green Belt. The Government remains committed to protecting and enhancing the Green Belt, as set out in its manifesto. The National Planning Policy Framework includes clear protections for …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
31
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
There is a case for improving our knowledge of where there are possible historical sites and for further protections for specific sites and currently undesignated locations. The Historic Environment Records dataset should be put on a statutory basis. The Government should assess the merits of providing additional protections for other …
Government response. 61. The Government will continue to conserve and enhance the historic environment, from listed buildings to archaeology, building on the strong protections currently in place. Whilst the current framework has been proven to work well, we want to bring greater …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
32
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
The Government should clarify how it intends to define flood risk in the planning system. This includes clarifying how this will take account of the possible impact of climate change and how it fits within wider flooding policy.
Government response. 65. In July 2021 the Government updated the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) placing a stronger emphasis on the importance of delivering sustainable development to help ensure developments respond to the impacts of climate change, are energy efficient, and reduce …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
33
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
The planning system should pay greater attention to the importance of green spaces and to wildlife near to people’s residences. The Government should reconsider the 108 The future of the planning system in England retention of sustainability assessments and ensure that the operation of Environmental Impact Assessments on the planning …
Government response. 68. The Government agrees that the impact of development on the natural environment needs to be factored into decision-making at both a strategic and project level. To achieve this, the Bill introduce a new framework of environmental assessment to replace …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government