Chamber outlines planning asks for the East Midlands as government holds public consultation

Speeding up planning permission and bringing in the private sector to support local authorities are among asks set out by East Midlands Chamber as the government holds an open consultation on national planning.

Government proposals include the building of 1.5 million new homes across the UK, broadening the definition of brownfield land and support for renewable energy.  Respondents have until 24th September to express their views via an online portal.

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “The planning system has needed significant reform for years.  Development takes far too long in the East Midlands, it costs too much and that’s a barrier to businesses unlocking growth, investing, creating new jobs and to the UK’s transition to net zero, as infrastructure projects get delayed.  

"Whatever the findings of the government’s consultation nationally, we’ve clearly laid out the planning reform needed for this region in our Manifesto for Growth 2024.  Staffing issues at councils can be helped by the private sector stepping in; access to the National Grid needs to be easier for renewable energy production and local plans need to reflect the reality of how people live, work and move.”