Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 1
1
We are concerned about the lack of detail in respect of the proposed reforms to...
Recommendation
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 harms resulting from them. Given the complexity of the issues, and the possibility that its contents will differ from the proposals contained in the White Paper, the Planning Bill announced in the Queen’s Speech should be brought forward in a draft form, and be subject to pre- legislative scrutiny. We stand ready to undertake such scrutiny. (Paragraph 16) The Government’s three areas proposal
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
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 industry experts and the general public. The Government has held forums with local authorities and conducted user research to test the impact of our proposed measures. The original Planning for the Future consultation received over 44,000 responses which we have carefully considered. The Government listened to the concerns of stakeholders and since then has significantly revised its plans for planning reform. Bringing forward legislation in this parliamentary session will help ensure the effects of the reforms are felt as soon as possible, while not sacrificing parliamentary oversight. 7. The Government will also engage the Committee on any subsequent regulations that set the detail of measures in the Bill as necessary.