The overhaul of archaic planning systems is long overdue, says the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA). The Kate Barker Review of Land Use Planning has recommended improvements in responsiveness, efficiency and transparency of the planning system in order for it to fulfil its potential. The NAEA welcomes the findings of the review and the subsequent announcement that provisional payments worth £28.8m have been awarded as part of the planning delivery grant next year.
Stewart Lilly, President Elect of the NAEA comments: "I welcome the overhaul of the current planning processes suggested by Kate Barker in her review of Land Use Planning published today. The complexity of the routine matters of planning has resulted in many local authority planning departments coming under undue pressure. Anything that can simplify the procedure and increase transparency within the system, whilst removing the many major obstacles currently obstructing economic development throughout the UK must be seen as a positive step. Bearing in mind we are currently working under a system governed by legislation dating back to 1948, it is not surprising that some of our processes need revising.
By streamlining planning policies Barker has stated the process can be speeded up from the current typical 36-42 to 18-24 months. This would undoubtedly save developers, businesses and local authorities considerable amounts of money and alleviate some of the pressures they face. I am especially pleased to see the emphasis that the Barker review has placed upon the need for a more positive planning approach, approving plans at the indeterminate stage unless 'there is good reason to believe the economic, social or environmental costs of development outweigh the benefits'. The ever expanding population and the changing demographics of the UK are placing increasing pressure on our existing infrastructure. A compromise between protecting land that has environmental value and accommodating our needs as a growing economy must be found.
As the review highlights, only 8.3% of the land in the UK can be classified as urban. In comparison a staggering 13.5% is classed as green belt, I would be pleased to see a more strategic approach and support a review of green belt boundaries currently surrounding cities and towns. I would like to take the opportunity to encourage and remind the Government that the NAEA would be delighted in assisting them in the construction and implementation of any new processes."
