Hazel Bears indicated that the planning system is about ensuring the right development occurs at the right place at the right time.

Hazel believed that many of the barriers faced in the planning system were out of proportion with the risks associated with proposed development.

The Minister also indicated that £300m could be saved.

Presentation on Report Recommendations
David Pretty began his address with the fact from the World Bank that the United Kingdom ranks 61st among countries in terms of planning.

He also indicated that:

• More than 10% of decisions on major development applications are delayed more than a year.
• Recommendations are aimed at swifter more efficient and effective system and fall into the main categories: Proportionality; Process; Engagement; Culture; Complexity

David Pretty believed that too many resources within the planning system were dedicated to smaller applications.

He listed:

Proportionality

• Streamline information and validation procedures
• More permitted development
• Expand use of prior approval
• Improved advice and information.

Effective process

• Improve pre-application
• Better processing
• Fewer conditions and quicker discharge
• Faster s106 and cil
• Easier process for small changes.

Joanna Killian then outlined remaining key recommendations. These were:

Engagement

• Improving statutory and non-statutory consultee involvement
• Provide greater focus for councillors
• Improve community engagement
• Use of alternative dispute resolution

Changing culture

• Improving quality of applications
• Address shortage of skills
• Shift targets to quality of service with incentives

Complexity

• Remove duplication in national planning policy
• Full funding of extra burdens
• A proportionate national policy framework
• Better guidance

Ms Killian also reinforced the need to make changes.

She believed that this could help speed up the economic recovery.

She urged the Government to act now on their recommendations.

Government Response
New Housing Minister Margaret Beckett believed that is a far-reaching report. She said that time was needed to consider the detail of the review.

She committed to a formal response to the Killian Pretty Review early next year.

The Minister also gave clear commitments to:

• further extend permitted development rights
• cut down the amount of information required for applications.

RICS attended the launch and welcomed the report
We asked how quickly it would be acted upon. RICS also indicated that the proportionality changes would be widely welcomed and that so many of its proposals were supported.

Other stakeholders were broadly united in their comments of support including: RTPI, TCPA, RIBA, Planning Officers Society.  

RICS' position on the Review report is now available.

Contact
Dan Cook
Public Affairs Manager
E dcook@rics.org