England’s Planning Reforms: ‘Automatic’ Permission Could Boost Building Activity

The UK Government’s efforts to revive the property market have taken on greater significance during the lockdown period, with many people spending more time at home. In addition to announcing a raft of economic measures, the government is also looking to implement sweeping reforms of England’s planning system that have been regarded by some as outdated and cumbersome.

Key among the reforms is the granting of ‘automatic’ permission for developments focused on building new homes and hospitals, a measure announced by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.

Mr Jenrick’s announcement, coming as part of an article he wrote for the Sunday Telegraph, comes on the heels of the Prime Minister’s £5 billion pledge to spur building efforts in the country. The Housing Secretary noted that with the new reforms, land would be categorised under three major areas: growth, protection and renewal.

He also particularly insisted that the government’s aim with the reforms was to eliminate the bureaucracy surrounding planning, and not to compromise building standards.

Necessary Reforms

According to Mr Jenrick, the planning system is too complicated and slow and could actually be a barrier to helping the country achieve its housing goals. The result is delayed infrastructure projects that could open up opportunities for housing development, leaving communities without vital services and much-needed housing. While local councils play an important role in the planning process, it can take several years for planning applications to get approval on various projects, delaying the delivery of essential infrastructure.

The Housing Secretary admits that a reform of the planning system is an enormous task for the government. However, he pointed out that it was overdue, as the construction sector provides millions of jobs and its economic contribution is vital to the UK. By undertaking reforms, thousands of new jobs will be created.

The Housing Secretary’s words echo the government’s desire to undertake major reforms outlined in a white paper released in early August 2020 titled Planning for the Future. The proposal is seen as the most ambitious since the Town and Country Planning Act of 1947 and goes in-depth into the various measures that have the potential for long-term change.

The classification mentioned above of placing land into three categories will be crucial in simplifying the work of local planning authorities so that land development for growth areas will gain automatic permission. Also, permission in principle will be granted for the development of land in urban renewal areas. Land categorised as a protected area will be preserved for its heritage, history, and as a gift to be passed on to future generations.

Additionally, the government will also seek to ensure that new developments adhere to design and environmental standards. The aim is to have environmentally friendly buildings with good designs, in neighbourhoods where green spaces and ample amenities are the norm.

Statistics on NewBuild Homes

Encouraging Self Build

Highlighted within the white paper is a reference to the self-build industry, as the government encourages more people to build their homes. Among the pledges contained in the reform proposals to this end is how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and self-build stakeholders can benefit from the disposal of publicly owned land. Additionally, local authorities will be allowed to identify optimal areas for self-build purposes, with such developments exempted from the Infrastructure Levy.

Overall, the reforms to the planning system are welcome news for property investors and developers keen to grow their businesses. Zuneth Sattar is one of these investors, having gone through the planning permission process to build a new block of flats as part of his property business. With the proposed reforms, many investors like him will benefit from a faster approval process, leading to the quicker delivery of quality housing.

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