Economic growth is still being constrained by a planning system in England that is ‘too slow, under resourced and unpredictable’, according to a new British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) report.
The report, Planning for Business & Growth, says that while recent government reforms signal the right intent, further urgent action is needed. The BCC says there needs to be a ‘fundamental reimagining of how planning authorities operate and interact with the business community’.
The report is calling on Ministers to:
- Go above and beyond its target of recruiting 1,400 planners by the end of this parliament.
- Ensure employment is given the same priority as housing in planning policy and guidance.
- Simplify and speed up the planning process for business, through the introduction of National Development Management Policies.
- Publish clear, time-bound implementation plans for each major element of planning reform.
- Introduce comprehensive fast-track services for priority projects that deliver on its economic growth objectives.
The report is available to read here Planning System Putting the Brakes on Growth – British Chambers of Commerce.
Chambers are seeking to make a practical difference to planning issues through with the BCC Planning Skills Fund.
This aims to help tackle the planning crisis by raising private sector donations to train and upskill planners. This will make a vital contribution to boosting planning skills and capacity in local councils across the UK.
The 5-year programme is funding up to 100 students through planning qualifications, administered by the Royal Town Planning Institute, and upskilling existing planning professionals.
This is real action from businesses, stepping up to the challenge alongside existing government initiatives. By working together across industry and government, we can offer a fast route to a rewarding career in local authority planning, alleviating shortages and accelerating business growth.
You can find out more here Planning Skills Fund – British Chambers of Commerce – including how you can get involved.
