This study explores the expectations currently facing the planning system and how councils are responding in the face of a national shortage of experienced planners. It looks at local authorities that have taken radical approaches to address heavy workloads. These include using private firms to take on mainstream planning work like processing applications and appeals or even a comprehensive development control function. The study found other examples of innovation, including sharing resources and introducing rigorous pre-application processes which iron out many difficulties at the outset.
The five main elements to the government's policy objectives for planning:
- support housing growth in the areas identified for such growth
- support regeneration/market renewal in other areas
- ensure that all development is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable
- move from the periphery to the centre of councils' activity
- deliver change quickly
Recommendations are provided for councils, the government, developers and statutory consultees.