Responding to the Government’s revised National Planning Policy Framework published today, Sarah Bevan, Planning and Development Director at BusinessLDN, said:

“The Government is right to identify our overly complex and under-resourced planning system as a major barrier to boosting growth.

“These changes to the National Planning Policy Framework send out a clear signal that Ministers are willing to take tough decisions to build the homes and infrastructure we need, including by backing development on the ‘grey belt’, greater clarity on how housing requirements are calculated and prioritising critical projects to drive growth. This is especially vital in London given the capital’s housing crisis means that boroughs are now forced to spend £4m daily on temporary accommodation whilst office starts in the city plunged by nearly half between April and September.

“If the Government is going to come anywhere close to hitting its 1.5 million new homes target, more action is needed to get shovels in the ground quickly. This includes greater flexibility around the Section 106 process to boost the delivery of more affordable homes. Enabling cash-strapped local authorities to charge planning application fees that reflect their costs would also help them to deliver a more reliable and efficient service.

“Londoners desperately need more homes so they can afford to live and work in the capital. Reducing complexity and blockers in the planning process – including through the long-promised National Development Management Policies – will help tackle the housing crisis and kickstart economic growth by making it work better for investors, developers and communities.”