Planning Bill Enhanced with New Powers
A last-minute amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to tackle 'blockers' and accelerate project delivery.
The move is part of a pro-growth package tied to the bill, which ministers claim will "unshackle Britain" from red tape and delays.
- Allow the Housing Secretary to intervene in council decisions on major schemes
- Reduce the time projects spend in the courts
- Accelerate delivery of large developments, including reservoirs, windfarms, and housing projects
According to officials, the full package could boost the economy by £7.5bn over the next decade.
Sluggish planning has real-world consequences. Every new house blocked deprives a family of a home.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed stated that the system had been "shackled by governments unwilling to overhaul the stubborn planning system".
Author's summary: Planning Bill gets new powers to tackle project blockers.