Government’s late-stage planning bill changes spark mixed reaction

This week, the Government has announced a series of last-minute amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, aimed at accelerating the delivery of housing, energy, and water schemes across England.

The reforms give ministers greater powers regarding call-in planning applications and could grant “holding direction” powers to prevent councils from blocking major developments. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has stated that the changes are designed to “unshackle Britain to get building”, speeding up approvals for significant projects both regionally and nationally.

However, the proposals have prompted mixed reactions across the planning sector. Whilst ministers insist the reforms will remove red tape, critics warn that the changes could reduce local democratic oversight and lead to greater centralisation of decision-making.

One key amendment expands the Secretary of State’s call-in powers, allowing intervention, not only when councils are inclined to approve controversial schemes, but also when they recommend refusal.

Kate Wood, Director of Planning, said the move reflects a significant policy shift:

“Call-in powers mean that a decision on the planning application is taken away from a council to be made by the Secretary of State,” she explained. “The practical aspect of this is that the Planning Inspectorate then assesses the proposals in the same way that they consider an appeal, and makes a recommendation to the Secretary of State as to what decision he or she should make. As you can imagine, this adds huge delays to the decision-making process – and there is no guarantee as to the outcome.

“However, it is positive that such powers can be used when an officer’s recommendation to its planning committee is for refusal now, rather than just approval, and demonstrates the shift in the government's approach towards granting permission where possible.”

The reforms are expected to face further scrutiny from planning professionals and environmental groups as they pass through Parliament later this year.