The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has launched an inquiry into the government’s plans to reform the English planning system.
The Committee said its inquiry would consider how well the government’s proposed reforms - detailed in its planning white paper out for consultation – support its overall building strategy, including its aim to deliver 300,000 new homes a year.
The inquiry will also examine how suitable the reforms are for ensuring high quality “fit for purpose” construction, how well they protect existing buildings or localities and allow for local engagement in the planning system.
In its call for evidence, the Committee is inviting views on issues including the approach that should be used to determine housing need, how the planning system can ensure “adequate and reasonable protection” for areas and buildings of environmental, historical and architectural importance, and any changes needed to the green belt.
The government’s white paper includes the introduction of land categorisations, a new Infrastructure Levy and local community involvement from the start of the planning process.
Clive Betts MP, said: “The government has set out its intention to implement wide ranging reforms and we must understand the impact these will have. Are they a successful attempt to reduce red tape and make it easier for new homes to be built and town centres transformed?
“Do they provide local communities an effective avenue to make their voices heard in setting out how their area will look? Is the right balance struck between encouraging growth and protecting our heritage? These are the key questions we will address as we begin out inquiry.”
The call for evidence closes on October 30, with the planning white paper consultation closing on October 29.
