Responding today to the Housing Secretary’s announcement on the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s ‘Planning for the future’ White Paper, which will be released in Spring, Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the BCC, said:

“Businesses still face too many barriers, costs and delays as they negotiate the planning system. We need to find a way to make it work better to give firms the flexibility they need to innovate, grow and compete globally.

“The government’s focus on new homes is welcome, but it is leading to increased pressure on the availability of employment land and premises. With one in five firms struggling to find the space they need, the planning system must ensure the right balance of land for jobs and homes.”

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