William Eichler 17 July 2024

King’s Speech: Labour commits to ‘modernising planning committees’

King’s Speech: Labour commits to ‘modernising planning committees’ image
Image: Clare Louise Jackson / Shutterstock.com.

The Labour Government will deliver its aim of building 1.5 million houses by ‘modernising planning committees.’

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has used his first King’s Speech to confirm the Government’s ambition to ‘get Britain building, including through planning reform, as they seek to accelerate the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and housing.’

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to accelerate housebuilding by improving local planning decision making and by increasing local planning authorities’ capacity.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves last week pledged to reintroduce compulsory housing targets, which drew criticisms from local government.

Labour has previously promised to pay for 300 new planners for local authorities.

The Bill also seeks to streamline the delivery process for critical infrastructure in part by simplifying ‘the consenting process for major infrastructure projects’ and enabling ‘new and improved’ National Policy Statements to come forward.

Localis chief executive, Jonathan Werran, said: ‘Legislative plans outlined in today’s King’s Speech to reintroduce strategic planning, could be a gamechanger for housing supply and ultimately help “take the brakes off Britain”.’

He added: ‘Any reforms to planning will also have to be fully integrated with the Government’s infrastructure priorities and will need to be supported by better resources for local authorities to deliver on the ground the manifesto ambition for 1.5 million new homes over the lifetime of the parliament.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner