According to MHCLG, “the planning for the future consultation proposes reforms of the planning system to streamline and modernise the planning process, bring a new focus to design and sustainability, improve the system of developer contributions to infrastructure, and ensure more land is available for development where it is needed”.

The Planning White Paper proposes substantial changes to the way that development is consulted upon, with a focus on more intense engagement during the preparation of a Local Plan and a repeatedly stated ambition to digitise and simplify the planning system to encourage as much interaction with it as possible.

Unsurprisingly, much of MHCLG’s direction of travel is politically challenging, with a substantial portion of the backlash against it coming from within the Conservative Party locally and at Westminster.

BECG is closely analysing and contributing to the debate around the Government’s emerging planning reforms. This page compiles our thinking, guidance and events on the subject.