Government publishes a new report on The future of the planning system in England

The report titled, “The future of the planning system in England” reflects on the Government’s proposed reforms to the planning system announced in August 2020, including the division of local areas into three district planning parts: growth, renewal and protected.

Concerns are raised about the omission of various important issues relating to housing and to non-housing elements of the planning system. This includes reference that “there should be a statutory obligation that Local Plans identify sites for specialist housing”. Further suggestions include that “the Government should create a C2R class for retirement communities to ensure clarity in the planning process”.

The Housing LIN will be following these developments with considerable interest.