Action plan to cut development red tape

MINISTERS have been presented with a plan to slim down the complex system of non-planning consents that can delay developments and add to costs.

The Penfold Review, commissioned by the last Government, has put forward recommendations in 12 areas aimed at cutting unnecessary red tape from the planning system.

Merging conservation area consent with planning permission, combining listed building consent with scheduled monument consent and taking more small developments out of the non-planning consent regime are among the ideas.

The review was led by Adrian Penfold, head of planning and Environment at British Land.

He said: “My review presents a package of measures that would deliver real benefits to developers by removing unnecessary burdens and speeding up processes.

“The proposed changes should also give people more influence over what happens in their local communities, thanks to more efficient, transparent and accountable processes.

“Decision-making bodies also stand to benefit by making changes that enable them to free up resource and redirect it towards their highest priorities.

“Establishing non-planning consents regimes that are more responsive to the needs of all users and that effectively interact with the planning process is very important in helping to drive sustainable economic growth.”

The report calls for decision-makers to take steps to become more customer-focused and for more local authorities to appoint development co-ordinators for major projects that can manage the process in a systematic way.

Liz Peace, chief executive of the British Property Federation, said: “Improvements to the planning system don’t have to be revolutionary. Carefully thought through amendments to some of the myriad different and detailed regulations and processes that affect planning can be just as effective which is why I think the sensible, pragmatic proposals from the Penfold Review will deliver real benefits to the property development and investment community.

“British Property Federation members want non-planning consent regimes that help, not hinder, the economy and I believe that this Review will help deliver this.”

The Government will respond to the Penfold Review in the autumn.