On 17th July 2024, the King’s Speech outlined a transformative vision for the future of planning and economic growth in the UK.
As we await further details, the positive approach and the recognition of planning’s critical role in economic prosperity are welcomed. This article delves into the key highlights and potential impacts of these landmark bills, setting the stage for a new chapter in the UK’s planning landscape.
The speech
The King’s Speech refers to 39 bills and drafts, planning is high on the agenda and linked to economic growth. The theme is going for growth and “getting Britain building”.
Of particular interest for planning, and economic growth are the following Bills:
- Planning and Infrastructure Bill – which includes key planning reforms to speed up the process and get housing and infrastructure delivered.
- English Devolution Bill – establishing a new framework for devolution “giving local leaders the tools they need to drive growth” e.g. giving new powers to metro mayors, enhanced powers over strategic planning, local transport networks. New powers and duties for local leaders to introduce Local Growth Plans.
Both of these Bills promise significant changes to streamline the planning process, empower local leaders, and accelerate housing and infrastructure delivery. These reforms are set to modernise and revitalise the planning system, providing much-needed clarity and support for sustainable development.
On the whole the positive approach and the recognition of how planning contributes to the economy is welcomed. For too long there have been various consultations and initiatives (some implemented in part, some not at all and some pending regulations). The planning system needs clarity for all so that much needed housing etc can be delivered whilst also addressing the three objectives in the NPPF of sustainable development (economic, social and environmental)
Yesterday’s announcement was high level, and we await the detail of the reforms announced. For example, it is not yet clear how the Government are going to “turbo charge” housebuilding in England and how the Councils will have to meet the housing targets.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will accelerate housing and delivery by:
- Streamlining the delivery process for critical infrastructure
- Further reforming compulsory purchase compensation rules
- Improving local planning decision making by modernising committees
- Increasing local planning authorities’’ capacity to improve performance and decision making – 300 additional planning officers have been mentioned
- Using development to fund nature recovery where currently both are stalled
English Devolution Bill will:
- Through legislation introducing a standardised devolution framework – giving local leaders greater powers over local growth –e.g. including enhance powers over strategic planning, local transport networks
- Making devolution the default setting
- Making it easier to provide devolved power to more areas
- Improving and unblocking decision making through more effective governance
- Empowering local communities – right to buy for valued community assets.
There seems to be a reliance on devolution to “those who know best” about their areas and to use the Governments phrase, “with skin in the game”. There will be more planning powers to Metro Mayors, regional government to help deliver more homes. There will be presumption towards devolution “so places can take on new powers automatically if they meet certain conditions.”
As mentioned above there will be greater devolution of decision making – the Deputy Prime Minister has already written to all Council Leaders. We may well see new Combined County Authorities – will this be a move towards strategic planning and at last addressing the duty to co-operate and unmet housing needs?
The Government states that it will work in partnership with local leaders to implement Local Growth Plans, (At present it is not clear what these plans are e.g. are they in addition to statutory developments plans? Will they replace the Strategic Plans, how they will be prepared and what status will they have?)
Of the 39 Bills it will be interesting to see which are brought forward first to address the Government’s priority of securing economic growth, particularly as the planning system is seen to be the key to unlocking economic growth.
Reforms to the planning system are awaited – and there is every indication from what we have heard so far that the changes to the NPPF introduced in December 2023 will be reversed, however, the revised NPPF is expected to go further and address other issues such as “grey belt”. It is understood that the NPPF is to be published shortly before the end of the month and it is envisaged that there will be a very quick turn round and issued within 100 days of the general election.
On the whole the reforms are to be welcomed and more detail will emerge in the coming weeks.
Sarah Hamilton-Foyn, Executive Director (Cirencester)