Responding to the release of the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the BCC, said:  

“This is good news. Removing blockers to development and speeding up the planning process will help to boost investment, opportunities and growth.   

“We need to build more good quality homes, where people want to live, and connect these to employment sites with the right supporting infrastructure.  In tandem with this, the Government also needs to plan better for business land use.  

“But none of this should be viewed in isolation, we need integrated plans which allow firms to grow in the right locations so they can meet net zero goals and improve efficiency. 

“These initial changes are promising but we need to see action quickly.  We can’t afford more dithering and delay. A clear timetable is needed for implementation and more skilled planners to deliver it at pace. Business wants to help, and our private sector-led planning skills fund will train at least 100 new planners to work in councils over the next few years.  

“The proof of success will be judged by whether the reforms deliver for people, business and the economy.” 

Full details of the NPPF can be found here.