Simpler planning system may unlock billions in rural economy
Well the CLA don’t seem to be sitting on the fence here. I do wonder if part of the response to coronavirus in rural economies might not be to follow their lead here and be a bit more liberal in terms of planning. This article tells us:
Simplifying the planning system and making improvements for rural areas could unlock billions of pounds in the economy, according to the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).
The organisation’s policy report Rural Powerhouse: a planning system designed for the rural economy was published on Friday 17 July.
It explains how a simpler and properly resourced planning system can support, enable and enhance development in the countryside.
Currently, the planning system is complicated, lengthy and expensive, and actively discourages people from investing in rural areas through development, says the CLA.
Mark Bridgeman, CLA president, said the government is looking to adapt the planning system – as shown by the prime minister’s recent “Build, Build, Build” announcement – and it is crucial to ensure it works in rural areas as well as the urban high street.
“The sheer cost of going through the planning system makes it an increasing hurdle, and this is a big issue for many of our members,” said Mr Bridgeman.
“Applicants must spend thousands of pounds on planning costs without really knowing if they’re going to be able to make it a success. Our key focus is how can we simplify this?”