Government announces biggest planning shakeup for decades

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published a landmark white paper, Planning for the Future, which aims to slash red tape and revolutionise the planning system in England.

Among the headline items are proposals to designate three types of land for growth, renewal and protection – with outline planning automatically granted on land allocated for growth.

This would come alongside the implementation of design guides, developed by councils as part of new supercharged and democratic Local Plans, in order to enable fast-tracking of some applications. Promisingly, the white paper specifically calls for councils to identify growth areas for self and custom build homes, as well as confirming the self build exemption from the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Andrew Baddeley-chappell, CEO of the National Custom & Self Build Association (NACSBA), said: “For too long our planning system and housing market has been stuck in a rut. Consumer choice is the key to more and better homes that more people aspire to live in and that communities are happier to see built. There is huge potential to be unlocked. With choice comes responsibility and local design codes will help ensure these cherished new homes are fitting additions to their surroundings. The message is clear: the choice that you expect with every other product is now coming to the housing market.”