Autumn Statement – Planning Measures

In yesterday’s Autumn Statement, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a number of measures to tackle the planning system which he claimed would “unlock” the delivery of thousands of homes.  We have summarised the key takeaways below.

First up, the Chancellor pledged to invest an additional £32 million across housing and planning to boost housing supply and unlock thousands of homes across the country.  This includes additional funding to tackle planning backlogs in Local Planning Authorities (LPA’s).

Mr Hunt also announced a new “premium” planning service across England, to be introduced next year, with guaranteed accelerated decision dates for major applications and fee refunds wherever these are not met.  Mr Hunt claims that these services will improve the existing “patchwork” approach of Planning Performance Agreements.

Further proposed reforms to streamline the planning system include a new Permitted Development Right to enable one house to be converted into two homes (without changing the façade).  This is due to be implemented in 2024 following consultation early in the New Year.

Other measures announced by the Chancellor include £110 million of funding to be made available to support LPA’s to deliver high quality schemes to offset nutrient pollution, unlocking planning permissions that are otherwise stalled.

The Government will also invest £5 million to incentivise greater use of Local Development Orders (LDO’s) in England.  LDO’s give a grant of planning permission for specific types of development within a defined area, which means investors and businesses do not need to submit planning applications.

If you want to understand whether the announced measures can assist with your projects then get in touch with our team for an initial chat. Contact Us