Thank you for contacting me about proposed planning reform.
At the heart of planning are the homes we live in, the schools our children go to and the parks and green spaces we visit. While our planning system works well in some areas, it is clear it does not work as it should. There is too much bureaucracy, too little engagement with local communities and too much advantage is afforded to large property developers to the detriment of small businesses and even our communities.
That is why I am glad that the Government is working to update the way our outdated planning system works. As you might know, the Planning for the Future consultation proposed the introduction of a consolidated sustainable development test that will remove unnecessary delays in the plan-making process. It also looked at making changes to the National Planning Policy Framework to ensure the reformed planning system can effectively mitigate and adapt to climate change and maximise environmental benefits.
I should point out that the framework has already been updated with a stronger focus on creating beautiful buildings and homes and includes a new expectation that all new streets are tree-lined, alongside measures to improve biodiversity and access to nature through design.
I am told that the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, is considering the best approach to taking forward proposals for planning reform, as part of a wider review of his Department’s programmes. At the heart of this, it is clear that the system should be accessible to communities, provide the well-designed homes our country needs and protect and improve our environment.
Furthermore, as part of a wider effort to reward environmental land management, the Environmental Land Management scheme is intended to provide a powerful vehicle for achieving the goals of the 25 Year Environment Plan and commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, while supporting our rural economy. I entirely understand your wish to make sure that ramblers and others can have the access to our countryside that they want – and particularly in a rural constituency like mine, this is an important principle but with the proviso that farming needs must also be taken into consideration.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.