We need a Hippocratic oath for planning rules: First do no harm Opinion Planning has become so complicated that applications get approved despite the system rather than because of it. If we want growth, we must accept that regulations cannot be used to solve every societal problem, says Gordon Adams To misquote Sir Humphrey, the English planning system has the engine of a lawn mower and the brakes [...]
Fine words from Reeves – now let’s get Britain building Opinion Rachel Reeves is right to make reforming our sclerotic planning system the centrepiece of her economic strategy. But if she’s going to succeed she must consign the bat tunnels and fish discos that too often block development to the dustbin of history, says Sam Richards In 2014 winter sports fans were getting ready for the [...]
Does Britain care more about bats than people? Opinion For each animal saved by the £100m the government spent on a ‘bat tunnel’ for HS2 we could have stopped 76 children dying of malaria. The affair illustrates the state’s total inability to consider trade-offs, says Samuel Hughes Last month saw much discussion of the £100m ‘bat tunnel’ built for HS2. There are several morals [...]
Fresh legal twist in Wimbledon expansion saga December 11, 2024 Wimbledon chiefs have begun a legal process in a bid to see off any lingering threat of a challenge to their £200m expansion plans for the world famous tennis club. Opponents of the scheme want to use an obscure law to quash the planning permission finally granted last month, three years after the plans were [...]
How to unlock green growth (clue: it’s not all about net zero) October 13, 2024 Think nuclear and speed up planning if you want to achieve green growth, suggests Brendan Chilton,
Britain’s ‘Computer Says No’ attitude needs a reboot October 1, 2024 Modern Britain is the victim of needless rules, a useless public sector and a lack of ambition, writes James Price
‘Time is of the essence’: Government urged to push ahead with planning changes September 26, 2024 The government has put forward a major set of reforms to the planning system, which is widely seen as one of the major barriers to economic growth.
Move to cut London’s housebuilding target raises eyebrows July 30, 2024 Angela Rayner’s decision to cut London’s housing target has raised some eyebrows given the severe housing crisis facing Londoners. In a speech in the House of Commons this afternoon, the deputy Prime Minister confirmed that mandatory housing targets would be reinstated for local authorities among a swathe of other planning changes. But the new target [...]
UK restores housebuilding targets and sets out green belt review in planning push July 30, 2024 Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves’ Labour government has unveiled a series of reforms to the planning system, including a review of the green belt, to help address “the most acute housing crisis in living memory.” Under new policies confirmed today, local authorities will again be given mandatory housing targets to help “pave the way” to [...]
Will Labour’s move to hire 300 planning officers be enough to get Britain building again? July 24, 2024 Since entering office, planning reforms have been central to the new government’s attempts to stimulate higher economic growth. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has already announced a number of important changes to the planning regime with more changes expected before the end of the month. Alongside these reforms, the government has committed to hire 300 extra planners [...]