Recommendation 22

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