It is crucial that councils’ views are fully considered in a consultation on “significant” changes to the planning system in England, the LGA has said.
It has also raised concerns about democratic accountability, with the Government’s proposed revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) including plans to remove from council planning committees the right to decide on small developments.
Other proposals aimed at encouraging more housebuilding include automatic approval for housing developments around railway stations and on brownfield sites, and to build upwards when it comes to new homes in towns and cities.
Cllr Tom Hunt, Chair of the LGA’s Inclusive Growth Committee, said the proposed NPPF changes were “some of the most significant we’ve seen”, and that it was “crucial” that the views of councils – which approve nine in 10 planning applications – are fully taken into account.
“While the Government’s commitment to boost development and housebuilding is admirable, changes to the planning system alone will not suffice,” he said.
“Councils need sufficient powers and funding to buy land, bring forward and connect with much-needed infrastructure, and speed up buildout of sites with planning permission.
“Government must also take steps to address the growing skills and workforce challenges in the construction sector.”
He added: “Planning committees are the democratic backbone of the planning system, with councils being accountable to their communities about what should be built where.
“This is a central tenet that must remain under a reformed planning system.”
- Consultations on the NPPF close on 10 March.