December 2021
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This conference explored priorities for the planning system in England as the Secretary of State of the rebranded Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) paused and reviewed the Government’s Planning Bill.
With the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at DLUHC stating that the planned Bill’s introduction may be delayed as a result of the pause, and amid speculation about a possible watering down of proposed reforms, this conference was a timely opportunity for discussion.
Delegates considered what this review meant for planning reform, any changes to proposals, and the impact of any delay on meeting government house building targets - as the former PM set out his priorities to build more homes on brownfield sites. The discussion also looked at what stakeholders want to see addressed in reforms during the pause and review period.
Alongside this, the conference was an opportunity to consider how the planning system can dovetail with wider policy priorities, such as those set out in the National Infrastructure Strategy and the Environment Act.
We were pleased to be able to include keynote contributions from:
- Lord Best, Member, Built Environment Committee
- Lisa Fairmaner, Head of the London Plan and Growth Strategies, Greater London Authority
- Duncan Sutherland, Public Affairs Director, Sigma Capital Group; Chair, North of Tyne Combined Authority Housing and Land Board; and Non-Executive Director, Homes England
The agenda was structured to bring out latest thinking on:
- policy priorities for planning reform and easing long-term pressures on housing quality and supply
- priorities for measures that protect communities and the environment while delivering growth
- accelerating project delivery within current frameworks and dovetailing with London’s economic goals
- stakeholder perspectives on key issues for planning reform
- setting codes on housing quality and design, ensuring safety, and boosting environmental net-gain
The discussion brought together stakeholders with key policy officials who attended from BEIS; the Climate Change Committee; Defra; the DfE; the DLUHC; the DfT; the HSE; HMRC; the OPSS; Ofwat; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons.
