Planning reforms

The Westminster Government has published its revised National Planning Policy Framework amid a flurry of boosterish phrases about ‘backing builders not blockers’, ‘unleashing billions in economic growth’, and introducing ‘seismic reforms to help builders get shovels in the ground quicker’. If pithy phrases, vivid metaphors, and a love of alliteration could deliver the housing we need, the Framework’s job would have been done. As it is, the situation is far more nuanced. Housebuilders interviewed for their response on Radio 4’s Today programme said that ‘red tape’ was not to blame: the problem is that planning and conservation departments are under-resourced. They wante