Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Paragraph: 38
The Government must build on its commitment in the Queen’s Speech to reform the existing...
Recommendation
The Government must build on its commitment in the Queen’s Speech to reform the existing planning framework and ensure that decisions for new driver facilities are not left to individual planning authorities. The Government must reform national planning policy to ensure that more driver facilities, which are fit for purpose and industry leading, are delivered. The Government must make an assessment as to whether the demand for new facilities can be delivered with only light reform. If it cannot, the Government should seek to take this dilemma from local authorities and local plans and place the responsibility at a central level. This would rightly recognise these facilities as key national infrastructure assets.
Paragraph Reference:
38
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government recognises the need for modernisation and reform to the planning system. An integral part of reviewing any changes to the planning system is considering how they align with and support the Government’s wider mission to level-up the country and regenerate left-behind places. The Future of Freight Strategy set the strategic goal of a planning system which fully recognises the needs of the freight and logistics sector, now and in the future, and empowers the relevant planning authority to plan for those needs. To deliver this change the Government needs to fully understand what currently works and does not work for freight and logistics. This will allow us to put in place targeted interventions in the right places to realise the best outcomes. To ensure Government understands the practical issues of planning for and delivering the right infrastructure to best support the freight and logistics sector, Government is prioritising the development of the call for evidence. This will help us build a comprehensive picture of where the planning system can appropriately support the freight and logistics sector, including understanding what is working well, what could work better, and how Government can promote best practice. As committed to in the Future of Freight Strategy, the programme of changes to the planning system will include options to ensure sufficient land is allocated to service the needs of freight and logistics. This includes ensuring we deliver a resilient network of lorry parking facilities and that planning authorities recognise the land use requirements to support each stage of the supply chain. DfT is also working with stakeholders to finalise an update to the Strategic Road Network (SRN) Circular 02/2013 prior to public consultation as set out in the Lorry Parking Written Ministerial Statement of 8th November 2021. The Circular will strengthen the consideration that must be given to the development of HGV parking and driver welfare facilities on the SRN in the planning process.