Levelling up and Infrastructure Bill 2022

In a briefing document published by the government shortly after the speech was delivered, the government said the Bill will include a "new approach" to environmental assessments, introduce a "locally-set non-negotiable levy" to deliver local infrastructure, and simplify the process for creating local plans.

 

It also stated that the bill will strengthen neighbourhood planning and digitalise the planning system (in particular, the formulation of Local Plans) and suggesting that "by making it easier for local authorities to get local plans in place, we will limit speculative development".

 

The document contained no reference at all to the original White Paper plans which so controversially sought to create "growth areas" in every local authority in which developers will benefit from automatic outline planning permission, or to set mandatory local housing targets from central government.

 

The briefing note also contained no reference to the government's manifesto pledge to deliver 300,000 homes a year, which was at the core of the previous White Paper. No doubt, brought about by significant disquiet amongst Conservative backbenchers, and party Members, this briefing document placed greater emphasis on public engagement and decision-making, and said the purpose of the planning reforms was to "improve the planning system to give communities a louder voice, making sure developments are beautiful, green and accompanied by new infrastructure and affordable housing". We welcome all of these sentiments, although it is hoped that greater public engagement will reflect all sectors of communities rather than those who ‘shout the loudest'.

 

The government also committed to reform the Environmental Impact Assessment process for large planning applications. However, the briefing document said the ambition behind the reform was to ensure "the environment is further prioritised in planning decisions" rather than necessarily to pull back from any requirements. We have a long held view that development should positively contribute to the natural environment, and any further strengthening of these requirements is welcomed – on the understanding that any changes are timed to ensure existing commitments are not unduly burdened.

 

The 2020 White Paper had proposed the creation of simplified Local Plans, with much of the planning policy set centrally, and a 30-month limit set on their creation. Today's briefing said the bill will change the system by "simplifying and standardising the process for local plans so that they are produced more quickly and are easier for communities to influence". The inference being more local involvement and responsibility for decision-making.

 

We have, of course seen headline grabbing changes to the planning system before. It is clear that the planning system does need to be reformed – it can be cumbersome, and overly politicised. It is not clear to date how these proposals will see a positive evolution of public engagement and more informed decision-making. Whilst local accountability is key to a democratic planning system, we strongly believe that it is strong, professional leadership within Local Authorities (be they at a County or Borough level), together with external professional (and public) input to challenge and refine, that will improve plan-making and decision-taking in the long term.

We hope that this Bill will provide the ‘tools' for this greater certainty to be provided.