Recommendations & Conclusions
15 items
2
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
Accepted
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 …
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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 detail for developers to know whether their proposals will qualify for permission in principle and avoid using planning permission procedures; the uncertainty over the purposes of renewal areas; and the level of protection to be afforded in protected areas. Overall, we are unpersuaded the Government’s zoning-based approach will produce a quicker, cheaper, and democratic planning system. The Government should reconsider the case for the three areas proposal. Any new proposals can be considered in detail if the Planning Bill is published in draft form and we undertake pre-legislative scrutiny, as we recommend.
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Government response AI summary
The government explicitly agrees with the recommendation and confirms it will not be pursuing the three area types proposal in the reformed planning system, having listened to feedback.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
4
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
Accepted
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 …
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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 whether it will be possible to comment on different specific infrastructure proposals. It should also explain how infrastructure providers will be able to comment on and influence emerging proposals for specific projects. (Paragraph 34) Local Plans
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees to clarify the relationship between plans and infrastructure, noting that statutory consultees can comment on individual sites and infrastructure providers will be required to assist local authorities in drafting local plans.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
6
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
Accepted
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 …
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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 evidence that the second stage of public involvement, at the end of the Local Plan process, would happen simultaneously with the Plan being submitted to the Secretary of State. The Government should clarify how it will promote greater involvement by the public in Local Plans. The public should be consulted about a draft version of the Local Plan before, not concurrently with, its submission to the Secretary of State. This would enable their views to be more effective in influencing the final version of the plan. The Government should also be very cautious about watering down the ‘right to be heard’.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees, confirming there will be two rounds of community engagement before Local Plans are submitted, an increased minimum consultation duration, and the retention of the 'right to be heard', along with new guidance.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
8
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
Accepted
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 …
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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 to strive to ensure a representative range of voices are heard in the production of neighbourhood plans, and there should be a timeframe for producing and revising them to ensure they remain relevant. Ahead of the Planning Bill, the Government must clarify the role and status of neighbourhood plans in the proposed system. The Government should consider how to make the neighbourhood planning more relevant to local people and how to ensure that residents feel empowered to both contribute to and own the plan.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees to strengthen the role of neighbourhood planning, clarifying its status by introducing new tools like Neighbourhood Priorities Statements and 'street votes' via the Bill, alongside funding initiatives to increase uptake and empowerment.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
9
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
Accepted
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 …
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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 put in place to ensure cooperation. Whilst the duty to cooperate remains in place, the Government should give combined authorities the statutory powers to oversee the cooperation of local authorities in their area. Longer- term reforms could include greater use of joint plans, of plans overseen by mayors and combined authorities, and of development corporations. The Government should seek to apply the lessons from successful strategic plans devised by local authorities in certain parts of the country in devising more effective mechanisms for strategic planning. (Paragraph 61) Public engagement
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees not to abolish the Duty to Cooperate without a replacement and states the Bill will introduce a new 'alignment policy' in the NPPF, alongside encouraging Spatial Development Strategies and greater use of development corporations for strategic planning.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
11
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
Accepted
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 …
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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 that people will resort to legal measures if they cannot comment upon and therefore influence an individual planning proposal. Therefore, all individuals must still be able to comment and influence upon all individual planning proposals.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the recommendation and commits to retaining the ability for all individuals to comment and influence all individual planning proposals in the reformed system, enhanced by digital reforms.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
12
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
Accepted
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.
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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.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the critical role of local councillors and states that they will continue to maintain democratic control and make decisions on planning applications, upholding existing processes rather than setting out a new plan.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
13
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
Accepted
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 …
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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 discretion for local authorities. We do not agree with this approach. It risks creating a postcode lottery as to whether such notices continue. This would disadvantage those residing in financially stretched councils and those moving into local authorities where such practices have been discontinued. The existing statutory notices should be retained for all local authorities, to be used alongside technology. We propose the use of virtual participation in planning meetings continue alongside in-person meetings after the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. We also propose that local authorities should experiment with novel ways of engaging the public with the wider planning system, for instance through the use of citizens assemblies. (Paragraph 88) The housing formula
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the recommendation to retain existing statutory notices alongside digital tools to facilitate broad public engagement in the planning system.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
22
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
Accepted
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 …
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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 from wider infrastructure, economic, leisure, and environmental activities and considerations. Therefore, in advance of a Planning Bill, the Government should include within consultations the expected impact of its proposed reforms to the planning system on: • The ‘levelling up’ agenda including the promotion of employment • The economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic • The high street • Addressing climate change and creating sustainable development • Bolstering sustainable transport • The delivery of commercial and industrial property, including leisure facilities, mineral extraction, and energy networks • Policies on social exclusion and on particular groups including Gypsy and Traveller Communities • The environment—in particular the proposed reforms to environmental impact assessments, the designation of protected areas and species, and the proposals for a net gain in biodiversity in the Environment Bill currently going through Parliament (Paragraph 148) Land capture and the funding of infrastructure
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Government response AI summary
The government states its reforms already address many of the listed issues, including climate change, environment, regeneration, and levelling up, which are central to their aims. They look forward to further discussion on these through the National Planning Policy Framework.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
24
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
Accepted
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 …
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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 system in England
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Government response AI summary
The government clarifies its intention to reform developer contributions with a new Infrastructure Levy, developed through consultations, while retaining Section 106 agreements in limited circumstances as a means to pay the Levy.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
27
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
Accepted
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, …
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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, to clearly explain how the various skill needs of the planning system will be met. (Paragraph 186) Design and beauty
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Government response AI summary
The government agreed with the recommendation, stating it is actively working with representatives from local government, the private sector, and professional bodies to develop a comprehensive skills strategy for the planning system, aimed at attracting, developing, and retaining professionals.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
28
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
Accepted
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 …
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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 broadest meaning of design, encompassing function, place-making, and the internal quality of the housing as a place to live in, alongside its external appearance. Given the problems with defining beauty, and to ensure a wider approach to design, there should also not be a ‘fast track for beauty’. Many discussions about beauty and design are very localised, concentrating a specific site, building or street. We do not think these discussions can be incorporated into Local Plans covering an entire local authority. Therefore, the Government must clarify how the public will be able to offer views about developments at this small scale. This is doubly significant given the Government’s proposed reduction in the opportunities for people to comment on individual planning proposals. (Paragraph 203) Green Belt
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with a broad definition of design and will integrate this through new local design codes, which will be mandated by the Bill and will allow for community engagement at local and site-specific levels.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
30
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
Accepted
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 …
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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 Green Belt Land. We therefore recommend that the Government extend the same protections that are provided under any new planning system to Metropolitan Open Land as apply for Green Belt. (Paragraph 212) Environmental and historical protections
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Government response AI summary
The government states that Metropolitan Open Land in the Greater London area already receives the same level of protection as Green Belt under the London Plan, thus addressing the recommendation through existing policy.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
32
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
Accepted
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 AI summary
The government clarifies that the updated NPPF places stronger emphasis on climate change and flood risk, requiring all sources of flood risk, including future risk, to be considered in development, with the Environment Bill further supporting resilience.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
33
Recommendation
First Report - The future of the planni…
Accepted
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 …
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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 system is covered in its further consideration ahead of the Planning Bill. (Paragraph 232) The future of the planning system in England 109
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees that environmental impact must be factored into decision-making and confirms that the Bill will introduce a new outcomes-based framework of environmental assessment to replace existing EU systems, ensuring environmental safeguards are maintained or strengthened.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government