‘Fast track planning’ bid to tackle
housing crisis.
February 2016

A proposal to fast-track planning applications or even to allow authorities to compete over applications to help tackle the housing crisis have been put out to consultation by the Government this week.

The proposals are expected to boost housebuilding and speed up the planning application process, according to the Department for Communities and Local Government, which adds that decision making on planning applications would remain with the local council to maintain the democratic link between local people and decision makers.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark said for too long Council planning departments have had no incentive to get things done quickly or better, resulting in drawn out applications and local frustration.

He added: “These proposals will be a boost for housebuilders looking to build much needed new homes for hard working families and first time buyers, and for local people looking to get a planning permission for home improvements through their local council quicker.

Planning Minister Brandon Lewis added:

“Many councils are already working hard to improve the services they offer their residents, and across the country people’s satisfaction levels remain high. Now we want to go further by setting out these ambitious proposals to link any future increases in application fees to councils’ performance, and testing more competition including through offering dedicated fast track application services.

“Historically councils have had a ‘closed market’ in handling planning applications, with limited incentive for innovation and efficiency. However, research studies over the last three decades in the UK and abroad suggest there are cost savings of up to a fifth for competitively tendered or shared services.”

Further information, including the opportunity to respond to the consultation can be found at: consultation on the competition pilots and fast track services