14/12/2006 National Planning Forum Barker Review of Land Use Planning

14/12/ Interim report findings Interim report set out strengths and weaknesses of the English planning system, focusing on impact on the economy Planning can improve economic outcomes e.g. certainty for business about how an area will develop More still to do to ensure efficient processes (speed, quality, certainty); responsiveness and efficient use of land Context of recent reforms and related reviews – Stern, Eddington, Lyons

14/12/ Reducing costs Streamlining planning policies to provide more transparent framework- guidance should be produced more quickly More risk-based approach to information that accompanies planning applications Extending permitted development rights and new voluntary system of side-agreements A faster appeals service, supported by a Planning Mediation Service to reduce demand from current 23,000 cases per year Reducing nos of call-in directions and numbers called-in by 50%

14/12/ Delivering major infrastructure New national Statements of Strategic Objectives eg on areas including transport, energy, water and waste New independent Planning Commission to act as decision- maker, bringing expertise and speeding-up decision-making Clear processes needed for consultation on SSOs and at the decision-making stage Timetabling of Ministerial cases as an interim measure, to minimise delays at this final stage of decision-making

14/12/ Improving responsiveness New PPS4 - use of market/price signals, and more mixed-use Where plans are indeterminate applications should proceed unless there is good reason to believe that costs outweigh benefits Reforming local plan-making so that plans are delivered in months not Support town-centre first policy but remove requirement to demonstrate need Providing incentives for local authorities to foster economic growth, in the context of the Lyons Inquiry

14/12/ Improving performance Encourage pre-application discussions Roll-out of planning delivery agreements Explore raising £50k cap on planning fees Maintaining PDG beyond 07/08 Enhance skills and resources – eg funding for PAS; expanded role for ATLAS Better and earlier engagement by/with statutory consultees New powers for PINS to determine appeal route and cost recovery

14/12/ More efficient use of land Need to make best use of available land – increasing population; climate change impacts on land-use Recommended reform of empty property relief to encourage efficient use of land in urban areas Green belt boundary reviews – ensure land available in most sustainable location Potential for green wedge/corridor approach, alongside improving quality of green belt by a positive approach to applications that would enhance the surrounding area such as publicly-accessible woodland

14/12/ Summary Recommendations aim to: improve efficiency (speed and transparency) of the planning system; enhance its responsiveness; and ensure a more efficient use of land A report setting out progress should be published at the end of 2009