A new generation of strategic planning
Devolution is at the centre of the new government’s change agenda. Our Director of Planning, James Doyle, discusses what this shift means for local government and how the role of planning committees is likely to change.
England is witnessing a renewed push for strategic planning driven by evolving political, legal, and policy changes that aim to reshape the landscape of local government. The government has set its sights on revitalizing the planning system to address the growing pressures of housing, infrastructure, and regional development. This renewed drive is not just about accelerating construction but also about decentralising decision-making, empowering local government, and fostering long-term sustainable growth.
A key element in this strategic shift is the emphasis on devolution. The government’s recent white papers and the “devolution revolution” have signalled a major move toward granting more power to local regions, including the establishment of directly elected mayors in areas like Cumbria, Cheshire, and Norfolk. This push for decentralisation aims to address the inefficiencies of the current system, allowing local authorities to have greater control over planning and development decisions. By enabling more regional governance, the hope is that councils will be able to better respond to challenges and opportunities unique to their respective regions.
Local government officers will need to navigate these changes carefully, especially in light of new policies that aim to address issues like housing shortages and infrastructure deficits. The New Homes Accelerator programme, for example, is designed to identify and remove barriers to the delivery of large housing projects, which will have significant implications for local authorities. The pressure to accelerate housing development may lead to difficult decisions, particularly regarding the balance between environmental concerns and the demand for new homes. Moreover, the push for brownfield redevelopment and nature recovery adds another layer of complexity to the planning process.
This new drive also has a regulatory aspect. The government’s focus on reforming judicial review processes, particularly in infrastructure projects, could change how local governments approach planning disputes. The emphasis on faster decision-making might help speed up stalled projects but could also limit local community input and scrutiny. Local councils may find themselves under increasing pressure to deliver on development targets, which could affect their relationships with residents and developers alike.
Overall, the new strategic planning initiatives represent a significant shift in the way England’s local government sector will operate in the coming years. As more power is handed down to local authorities and the regions, the success of these reforms will depend on how well they balance growth with sustainability and community needs. It is an exciting yet challenging time for local government, and the outcomes of these reforms will shape the future of urban and rural England for decades to come.