Gove backs ‘matrix’ for planning applications

New developments could be given Ofsted-style quality ratings under further efforts to reform England’s planning system. The Placemaking Matrix, drawn up by architect Ike Ijeh for the thinktank Policy Exchange, has been backed by levelling up secretary Michael Gove, who has written the foreword to the proposals. The plan is for councils to assess developments using a checklist of more than 50 attributes and then give them a score out of 100. This would then allow the schemes to be rated either “outstanding, good, average or poor”. The verdict would then become a determining factor in whether schemes are given planning permission. Gove described it as “brilliant” and a “detailed instruction manual”. In his foreword he wrote: “Policy Exchange’s newly devised Placemaking Matrix promises to be an indispensable resource. A universal tool that can be used to score a range of elements seen in new and existing developments, it can help build confidence in the wider social value of new residential schemes during the planning process and so unlock much-needed new housing supply.” To send feedback, e-mail piers.wehner@eg.co.uk or tweet @PiersWehner or @EGPropertyNews Image © Tolga Akmen/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock