Labour launches planning commission

The shadow ministry for planning and local government has launched a planning commission that will gather evidence against a system “that in too many areas is developer led”. The commission will tour the country speaking to the three levels of development – local authorities, the local community, and developers. Andrew Gwynne, shadow secretary of state for communities and local government, said: “What I am absolutely clear about is our planning system is not fit for purpose. It purports to be plan led, but in too many areas it is developer led. “Sometimes there is a disconnect between the needs and desires of a local community and the needs of a developer. More often than not there is a big disconnect between a community championing the localism agenda and developers who, in the worst extremes, just want to make a quick buck and move onto their next development.” The commission’s conclusions will inform the policies of a future Labour government, and aim to give more say to local groups. “It’s about how we can have meaningful consultation with those local communities – how they can have a meaningful say on their towns and communities as developer,” said Gwynne. “That is the big step-change in Labour’s planning policy going forward.” Ousting the NPPF The commission is squarely levelling its gaze at a number of Conservative policies, not least the National Planning Policy Framework. “We are looking at a root-and-branch review of the planning system,” said Roberta Blackman-Woods, shadow planning minister. “We are going to look at the inspectorate and the appeals system to see if they are really fit for purpose.” Other targets mentioned at the launch included permitted development rights, affordability, the powerlessness of local authorities against developers, and developing supporting infrastructure. Lewis Herbert, leader of Cambridge City Council, said land should be allocated for specific type of housing, such as affordable homes. “If people have radical suggestions to improve planning, we should listen,” he said. Under the microscope Land value capture, through tools such as business rates and the Community Infrastructure Levy, also came under significant criticism. Gwynne promised it would be scrutinised, along with teams looking at how to finance local government. He said: “The current system of council tax and business rates does not work. Part of that overall revue will include a significant review into business rates.” There will also be an emphasis on making the planning process less technocratic. “It did not used to be seen as technocratic, it used to be seen as visionary,” said Blackman-Woods. “It was built on principles of social justice, trying to include everyone.” Members of the commission, which will meet on a monthly basis, will include the NHF, TCPA, CPRE, BPF, RICS, Planning Officers Society, LGA, RIBA and British Land, alongside two residents and a councillor. To send feedback, e-mail alex.peace@egi.co.uk or tweet @EGAlexPeace or @estatesgazette